RNA array technology
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Portsmouth
Department Name: Inst of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sc
Abstract
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Organisations
- University of Portsmouth (Collaboration, Lead Research Organisation)
- Horiba (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD (Collaboration)
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals (Collaboration)
- DigiLab Global (Collaboration)
- Storm Therapeutics Ltd (Collaboration)
- University of Surrey (Collaboration)
- Federal University of Viçosa (Collaboration)
- University of Massachusetts (Collaboration)
- BioCopy (Collaboration)
- IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
| Anastasia Callaghan (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Henderson CA
(2021)
Reprogramming Gene Expression by Targeting RNA-Based Interactions: A Novel Pipeline Utilizing RNA Array Technology.
in ACS synthetic biology
Henderson CA
(2019)
Generation of small molecule-binding RNA arrays and their application to fluorogen-binding RNA aptamers.
in Methods (San Diego, Calif.)
Phillips JO
(2018)
High-density functional-RNA arrays as a versatile platform for studying RNA-based interactions.
in Nucleic acids research
Vincent H
(2023)
DNA Manipulation and Analysis
Vincent HA
(2013)
An improved method for surface immobilisation of RNA: application to small non-coding RNA-mRNA pairing.
in PloS one
| Description | Analysing the manner in which RNAs interact with other molecules is fundamental to novel drug discovery and a key enabler in supporting BBSRC's systems biology drive to unravel the transcriptome. The most efficient manner of achieving this analysis would be to probe an RNA array, containing hundreds of different RNAs of any size immobilised in spots on a surface. The generation of such RNA arrays is currently impossible as RNA is prone to degradation and intolerant to the chemical immobilisation conditions used to make analogous DNA arrays. An innovative, yet simple concept has been demonstrated for the creation of RNA arrays. Specifically, we have obtained proof of concept data providing evidence for a robust, commercially relevant patent application, which has been submitted. |
| Exploitation Route | The whole purpose of this grant is to promote the exploitation and commercialisation of the novel technology into a non-academic context (industry). As such, the exploitation route is as described in the section above and the final commercial product will allow the fundamental analysis of RNA molecules to be conducted within the pharmaceutical industry. Working with the Portsmouth University's Research and Knowledge Transfer Office, and following IP and market assessment investigations, the technology has been estimated to have significant market value. A patent application has been filed to protect the technology. With clear IP and market identified, we are currently working with commercialisation consultants who are engaging with relevant sectors of industry. While commercial exploitation is being pursued, we are now actively exploiting this technology in house for research purposes with a view to submitting a manuscript in the near future. |
| Sectors | Healthcare,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | The findings resulted in a patent application, which has now been granted in Europe and the US, and on-going collaborative discussions with interested commercial partners. The research also leveraged further investment to explore wider applications of the technology. Additionally, the work within this grant provided the basis for recent activities in the translation and commercialisation space. Specifically, securing Innovate UK ICURe funding to explore commercialisation routes, which led to securing a BBSRC Enterprise Fellowship for the PostDoc involved on the project, and a place on the Cambridge-based Start Codon Investment Accelerator programme. This supported steps to create a spin-out venture, RevoNA Bio, which was incorporated in 2022. RevoNA Bio secured an Innovate UK ICURe Follow-on Fund grant and Start Codon investment, and is focused on securing further impact from the RNA technology. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
| Sector | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Impact Types | Economic |
| Description | BBSRC Enterprise Fellowship to PDRA |
| Amount | £100,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2021 |
| End | 09/2022 |
| Description | BBSRC Tools and Resources Development Fund |
| Amount | £152,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/L017628/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2014 |
| End | 03/2016 |
| Description | BBSRC responsive mode - APP Project |
| Amount | £360,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2015 |
| End | 11/2018 |
| Description | DigiLab Global Equipment Provision |
| Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | DigiLab Global |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 11/2015 |
| Description | E3 - Co-Applicant |
| Amount | £5,800,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | United Kingdom Research and Innovation |
| Department | Research England |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 08/2019 |
| End | 07/2022 |
| Description | Follow-on Funding Research Grant |
| Amount | £202,000 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | BB/S004947/1 |
| Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 04/2019 |
| End | 03/2021 |
| Description | ICURe (Innovation to Commercialise University Research) |
| Amount | £30,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Innovation to Commercialisation of University Research |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2015 |
| End | 04/2016 |
| Description | IMPRESS (EPSRC & NIHR-HTC) Collaborative Grant (Co-I Applicant) |
| Amount | £31,855 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Leeds |
| Department | IMPRESS |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 12/2017 |
| End | 05/2018 |
| Description | Innovation to Commercialise University Research (ICURe) Award |
| Amount | £35,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Innovate UK |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2020 |
| End | 04/2021 |
| Description | Provision of gapmer reagents |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Ionis Pharmaceuticals |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 09/2019 |
| End | 08/2022 |
| Description | Provision of test materials and staff time |
| Amount | £2,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | BioCopy |
| Sector | Private |
| Country | Germany |
| Start | 11/2019 |
| End | 01/2020 |
| Description | Rosetrees Trust (Co-I Applicant) |
| Amount | £29,754 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Rosetrees Trust |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2018 |
| End | 02/2020 |
| Description | University of Portsmouth Higher Education Innovation Fund |
| Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Portsmouth |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 01/2012 |
| End | 09/2014 |
| Description | University of Portsmouth Higher Education Innovation Fund |
| Amount | £10,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Portsmouth |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2014 |
| End | 07/2015 |
| Description | University of Portsmouth Strategic Research Fund |
| Amount | £11,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | University of Portsmouth |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2011 |
| End | 01/2012 |
| Title | Novel RNA Array Technology |
| Description | Proof-of-concept for a method for generating RNA arrays has been devised. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2015 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | A patent on the method has been filed. |
| Title | RNA-Tagging |
| Description | A novel method for tagging RNA for surface immobilisation has been devised. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2014 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The RNA-tagging approach has been published to allow others to use the method. |
| Description | Collaboration with BioCopy |
| Organisation | BioCopy |
| Country | Germany |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | BioCopy make DNA and protein arrays, as well as using them for commercial research projects. Discussions around possible alignment of their array technologies with Portsmouth's RNA array technology is ongoing. Myself and my team hosted a research scientist from BioCopy to work with us on experiments to explore the potential compatibility of the two different technologies. |
| Collaborator Contribution | BioCopy make DNA and protein arrays, as well as using them for commercial research projects. Discussions around possible alignment of their array technologies with Portsmouth's RNA array technology is ongoing. BioCopy provided array slides with novel surfaces and a research scientist to visit and work with the Portsmouth team to explore potential compatibility between the different technologies. |
| Impact | On-going |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Collaboration with DigiLab Global |
| Organisation | DigiLab Global |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration with DigiLab Global is allowing researchers on the project to access specific instrumentation. This is allowing them to explore and develop automated approaches within the context of our patented novel surface technology. |
| Collaborator Contribution | DigiLab Global provided specific instrumentation to support the research as well as their unique expertise in relation to instrumentation support. |
| Impact | This research is on-going. The disciplines involved include biochemistry and molecular biology coupled with instrumentation engineering expertise. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Collaboration with Dr John Young at the University of Portsmouth |
| Organisation | University of Portsmouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Work to expand the utility of the RNA array has involved exploring its potential use as an RNA-based biosensor. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Work to translate a novel overactive bladder biomarker fingerprint (discovered by Dr John Young's team) into a non-invasive diagnostic test is being explored through application of the RNA array technology as a biosensor. |
| Impact | Two collaborative grants have been secured together to fund joint working on this project. Specifically: IMPRESS (EPSRC and NIHR-HTC) = £31,855 to work on 'Translation of a novel overactive bladder 'fingerprint' into a breakthrough non-invasive diagnostic test' and Rosetrees Trust = £29,754 to work on 'Developing a novel non-invasive overactive bladder diagnostic test'. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Collaboration with Dr Jon Watts at the RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School. |
| Organisation | University of Massachusetts |
| Department | University of Massachusetts Medical School |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Researchers in my team have been testing RNA inhibitors synthesised by researchers in Dr Watts' team on a collaborative project. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Researchers in Dr Watts' team synthesised potential RNA inhibitors which they provided to my team for testing. |
| Impact | Seed corn funding has been leveraged from the University of Portsmouth to support preliminary data collection on this project. |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Collaboration with Dr Stuart Conway, Oxford University |
| Organisation | University of Oxford |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Research collaboration |
| Start Year | 2009 |
| Description | Collaboration with Horiba Scientific |
| Organisation | Horiba |
| Department | Horiba Scientific |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Collaboration with Horiba Scientific to explore the use of a novel surface technology applicable to the research project. |
| Start Year | 2012 |
| Description | Collaboration with Ionis Pharmaceuticals |
| Organisation | Ionis Pharmaceuticals |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Ionis Pharmaceuticals are a leading RNA Therapeutics company. They approached us to explore the potential of using the RNA array for screening gapmers binding to RNA targets and the efficiency of subsequent target degradation by RNaseH. A range of gapmers and test RNA sequences were provided and experiments are ongoing. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Ionis Pharmaceuticals are a leading RNA Therapeutics company. They approached us to explore the potential of using the RNA array for screening gapmers binding to RNA targets and the efficiency of subsequent target degradation by RNaseH. Ionis Pharmaceuticals provided gapmers and test RNA sequences for the associated experimental work to be undertaken at Portsmouth. |
| Impact | Experiments and discussions are on-going. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Collaboration with Nicolas Locker, Surrey University |
| Organisation | University of Surrey |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Research collaboration - Myself and my team brought our RNA and molecular expertise to the collaboration. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr Locker brings expertise in virology. |
| Impact | Dr Locker has been a collaborator for many years, involved in the original grant developing the RNA array technology, and associated output. More recently, working together, we secured a Covid-19 grant to support studies to develop a wastewater biosensor for detecting SARS-CoV2. We each bring our differing areas of expertise, with Dr Locker specifically providing virology input to support the work proposed. |
| Start Year | 2009 |
| Description | Collaboration with Prof. Denise Bazzolli at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa |
| Organisation | Federal University of Viçosa |
| Country | Brazil |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | My research team are undertaking molecular interaction studies guided by microbiology data provided by Prof. Bazzolli's team. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof. Bazzolli's team are providing microbiology data and expertise. |
| Impact | One of Prof. Bazzolli's team has secured funding to undertake a year-long placement in my research group to support this collaboration. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Collaboration with Prof. Paul Langford at Imperial College London |
| Organisation | Imperial College London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | My research team are conducting in vitro molecular interaction studies, and exploring the applicability of utilising our patented novel array technology, to explore cellular mechanisms within bacteria. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Prof. Langford's team provide microbiology expertise and access to in vivo testing studies. |
| Impact | A joint BBSRC grant was secured to support this collaborative research. |
| Start Year | 2015 |
| Description | Collaboration with Storm Therapeutics |
| Organisation | STORM Therapeutics Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Work to expand the utility of the RNA array into the field of RNA epigenetics. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Expertise in RNA epigenetics. |
| Impact | Research grant funding to support joint working. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Title | METHOD OF IMMOBILISING RNA ONTO A SURFACE |
| Description | The invention relates to a method of immobilising at least one RNA molecule onto a surface of a support comprising: i) providing a first support having a surface on which at least one DNA molecule is immobilised, wherein the DNA molecule encodes an RNA molecule and the encoded RNA molecule comprises a binding molecule; ii) providing a second support having a surface on which at least one binding partner for interacting with the binding molecule is immobilised; iii) arranging the first and second supports such that the surfaces displaying the immobilised molecules are in close proximity and substantially face each other, and contacting the DNA molecule immobilised on the surface of the first support with transcription reagents; and iv) carrying out a transcription reaction to generate the encoded RNA molecule, wherein the RNA molecule is directly immobilised onto the surface of the second support via an interaction between the binding molecule of the RNA molecule and the binding partner on the surface of the second support. |
| IP Reference | WO2012156718 |
| Protection | Patent application published |
| Year Protection Granted | 2012 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | - Discussions, under NDA, are on-going with interested companies. - Academic collaborations are supporting the further development of the technology. |
| Title | METHOD OF IMMOBILISING RNA ONTO A SURFACE |
| Description | The invention relates to a method of immobilising at least one RNA molecule onto a surface of a support comprising: i) providing a first support having a surface on which at least one DNA molecule is immobilised, wherein the DNA molecule encodes an RNA molecule and the encoded RNA molecule comprises a binding molecule; ii) providing a second support having a surface on which at least one binding partner for interacting with the binding molecule is immobilised; iii) arranging the first and second supports such that the surfaces displaying the immobilised molecules are in close proximity and substantially face each other, and contacting the DNA molecule immobilised on the surface of the first support with transcription reagents; and iv) carrying out a transcription reaction to generate the encoded RNA molecule, wherein the RNA molecule is directly immobilised onto the surface of the second support via an interaction between the binding molecule of the RNA molecule and the binding partner on the surface of the second support. |
| IP Reference | US2014087972 |
| Protection | Patent granted |
| Year Protection Granted | 2014 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | Discussions around licensing/commercialisation with industry partners are presently ongoing. |
| Title | METHOD OF IMMOBILISING RNA ONTO A SURFACE |
| Description | Understanding, manipulating and controlling the flow of genetic information, essential to life, lies at the heart of basic and applied research within the biosciences community. An ability to rapidly analyse the RNA and protein outputs of gene expression, in a high throughput manner, would therefore be of significant value to researchers in the field. Supporting discoveries as diverse as RNA translation inhibitor identification for therapeutic effect, to developing artificial switches for synthe |
| IP Reference | EP2732047 |
| Protection | Patent granted |
| Year Protection Granted | 2014 |
| Licensed | No |
| Impact | Discussions around licensing/commercialisation with industry partners are presently ongoing. |
| Description | Commercialisation discussions with BioCopy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Commercialisation discussions to explore potential utilities/applications of the array technology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
| Description | Commercialisation discussions with Cambridge Protein Arrays |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation and discussions on 'Novel RNA Array Technology' to Cambridge Protein Arrays, December 2013. Effective networking. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Commercialisation discussions with DigiLab Global. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation and discussions on the 'Novel RNA Array Technology' to DigiLab Global, January 2014. This lead to them visiting our labs and observing the RNA Array Technology process. DigiLab Global subsequently supported further research in this area by supplying equipment to explore automation approaches. Effective networking. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | Commercialisation discussions with Horiba Scientific |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Presentation and discussions on the 'Novel RNA Array Technology' to Horiba Scientific. The company funding our attendance at their site in France to undertake some collaborative experiments to explore possible opportunities. Effective networking. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Commercialisation discussions with Ionis Pharmaceuticals |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Commercialisation discussions to explore potential utilities/applications of the array technology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019,2020 |
| Description | Commercialisation discussions with Scienion |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Commercialisation discussions to explore potential utilities/applications of the array technology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Commercialisation discussions with TTPLabtech |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Commercialisation discussions with TTPLabtech. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Commercialisation discussions with Twist Bioscience |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | Commercialisation discussions to explore potential utilities/applications of the array technology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Maintaining an Active Online Presence |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | My group has an active Twitter account with around 200 followers. We publish highlights from our research, outreach and engagement activities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | Patented Array Technology Website |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | My group has a specific website highlighting our innovative patented array technology to potential commercial partners/business users. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Promoting PG study |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Presentation by members of my research team at various departmental events for undergraduates to promote engagement in postgraduate study. this involved the individuals highlighting their research work, including their day to day work, opportunities for collaboration and engagement as well as their outputs and impact. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013,2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | Science Fairs |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Myself and my team have participated in supporting a number of Science Fairs in the region, engaging with attendees to promote science and the research we undertake. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013,2014,2015,2016 |
| Description | Translation and commercialisation journey included as a feature in BBSRC's Impact Showcase 2022 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | At the request of BBSRC, myself and the BBSRC Enterprise Fellow working with me on the translation and commercialisation of the RNA technology, were asked to generate a video for the 2022 Impact Showcase. We produced a short video, explaining the journey we had been on, and the role that BBSRC and Innovate UK played in supporting this. The intention was that in sharing our experiences, we would encourage others to explore commercialisation routes for securing impact from their research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
| URL | https://www.discover.ukri.org/bbsrc-impact-showcase-2022/ |
| Description | University Open Days |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Myself and my team regularly support University Open days. Activities can be many and varied, including giving talks, presenting posters, running hands-on laboratory demonstrations and engaging in question and answer sessions. There are usually a number of these events per year, with over 100 participants (schools and college students, sometimes accompanied by a parent/guardian) attending each event. Feedback from such events has highlighted our success in inspiring the next generation of scientists and has been specifically linked to an increase in the number of students applying to study Biochemistry over the last few years. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |