A platform for in silico analysis of short regulatory RNAs

Interagon AS will develop a platform for in silico analysis of short regulatory RNAs. The system will have a common user interface and comprise algorithms for (a) prediction of the efficacy and specificity of short interfering RNAs for RNA interference ge ne silencing experiments; and (b) prediction of new microRNA genes and targets. Experimental validation of such algorithms are important both in a scientific and business context, and Professor Hans Krokan’s group at Department of Cancer Research and Mole cular Medicine at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology are important collaborators in designing these experiments. We expect to co-publish the results in scientific journals. The work is complex and requires in-depth knowledge of search har dware, statistical learning methods, algorithm construction and implementation, system integration, general biology, biological assay construction, and tools in functional genomics. Our main challenges include (a) obtaining high-quality predictions; (b) e stablishing functional and efficient laboratory protocols; (c) constructing good assays; and (d) being able to infer biological mechanisms from complex in silico classifiers. The results will have both commercial and academic potential. First, the integr ation and documentation of our applications is important as Interagon aims to build competence and experience from service delivery projects with large biotechnology companies. Second, scientific publication contributes towards higher visibility in the ma rketplace and higher formal competence. Third, the protocols for experimental validation will be used for research on DNA repair in Professor Krokan’s group, and will also be important in the continuance of this project as it simplifies future collaborati ve efforts within this field.