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NUCLEATE

Clusters of Excellence

Cluster for Nucleic Acid Sciences and Technologies

Nucleic acid research has continued to provide groundbreaking insights into fundamental biological mechanisms. Originally considered primarily as carriers of genetic information, we now know that nucleic acids can also play an active role, for example as catalysts of enzymatic reactions, as structural components of macromolecular complexes, as guide and scaffold structures, as regulators and even as signaling molecules and ligands (nucleic acids as ‘subjects’).

Analogous to the protein world, there is a sophisticated network of signaling pathways and a growing number of protein interaction partners that regulate the biogenesis, function and homeostasis of both coding and non-coding nucleic acids. This is where a largely unexplored spectrum of chemical modifications of nucleic acids emerges, which have dramatic effects on the activity of these biomolecules (nucleic acids as ‘objects’).

At the same time, we are currently experiencing a revolution in the biotechnological and medical application of nucleic acids (nucleic acids as ‘tools’). The basis for these successes can be found in basic research, such as the discovery of RNA interference in nematodes or the RNA-based CRISPR/Cas systems in bacteria. What once began as a ‘niche discovery’ is now fundamentally changing medicine. We see it as a priority task for German biomedical research to position itself internationally in this central and promising research area of nucleic acids. To realize the great potential of this field, we are applying for NUCLEATE – the Cluster for Nucleic Acid Research and Technology. NUCLEATE will be the first cluster to exclusively focus on nucleic acids, considering them as subject, object and tool.

This holistic concept requires both a high level of interdisciplinarity and technological breadth that cannot be achieved by a single university. For this reason, LMU, TUM and JMU have joined forces, complementing each other in covering a broad range of nucleic acid technologies and research fields – from viruses and bacteria to the human system. Through this alliance, we expect significant synergies that will take our research and its translation to a new level. In addition to the scientific goals, NUCLEATE is also committed to promoting early-career scientists, equal opportunities and diversity at all levels. Furthermore, NUCLEATE will engage in scientific discourse with society and various interest groups, including affected patients. The overarching strategic goal of NUCLEATE is to build a world-leading center for nucleic acid research and technology.

Involved Institutions: