Rational Design of RiboNucleic Acids (Dagstuhl Seminar 22381)

Abstract

This report documents the program and outcomes of Dagstuhl Seminar 22381 "Rational Design of RiboNucleic Acids" (RNAs). The seminar covered a wide array of models, algorithmic strategies, molecular scales and modalities, all targeting in silico design of RNAs performing predefined biological functions. It consisted in a series of talks, each being allocated a generous time budget enabling frequent (welcomed!) interruptions and fruitful discussions. Applications of rational RNA design include mRNA vaccines; RNAs acting as sensors; self-replicating RNAs, relevant to RNA world/origin of life studies; populations of RNAs performing computations, e.g. through strand-displacement systems; RNA origamis forming nano-architectures through self-assembly; weakly interacting RNAs inducing the formation of droplets within cells through liquid-liquid phase separation. Those diverse applications are typically tackled by Bioinformatics-inclined scientists, contributing to distinct areas of life science and, as a result, somewhat isolated and sometimes unaware of similar pursuits in neighboring fields. The overarching goals of this meeting were to gather computational scientists from multiple fields, increase awareness of relevant efforts in distant communities, and ultimately contribute to a transversal perspective where RNA design becomes an object of study in itself.