Stochastic simulation of inter-reacting RNA molecules (A04)

• Subject Area: Statistical Physics, Nonlinear Dynamics, Complex Systems, Soft and Fluid Matter, Biological Physics
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 521256690

Pools of inter-reacting RNA molecules are a possible starting point for molecular evolution. However, such RNA pools give rise to an overwhelming combinatorial complexity of possible interactions and reactions, based on the hybridization, ligation, cleavage, strand displacement, and self-folding of strands. Efficient simulation approaches are required to characterize the emerging global dynamics. This project aims to (i) establish a stochastic `RNA reactor’ simulation framework that can capture much of this combinatorial complexity, and (ii) leverage this framework to enhance our understanding of experimental systems within this CRC.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 392: Molecular evolution in prebiotic environments
• Applicant Institution: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Ulrich Gerland, since 1/2024