Interdisciplinary consortium
NextRNA is an interdisciplinary consortium funded by UiO that brings together CRESCO, the Centre for Embryology, and the Department of Biosciences (IBV) to develop next‑generation RNA profiling.
The premise is that RNA not only carries genetic information, but also a “hidden layer” of signals – structure, chemical modifications and interactions – that determines whether RNA is translated, stored, degraded or transported within the cell. By combining single‑molecule and single‑cell sequencing with direct RNA sequencing using nanopore technology, we aim to read the full repertoire of RNA signals.
Methods for deeper understanding
In the laboratory, we develop methods that simultaneously capture RNA sequence, isoforms, structure and modifications, and link these features to RNA fate, such as translation into protein, stability and transport. The methods are optimised in model systems including zebrafish, brain organoids and cancer models before being applied to challenging clinical samples such as embryos, culture media and patient biopsies, as well as in conservation biology, where RNA profiling in wild animal populations is combined with environmental sampling.
Our goal is a robust, standardized and cost‑effective RNA platform that enables non‑invasive assessment of embryos in assisted reproduction, more precise cancer subtyping, deeper mechanistic insight into neurodegenerative diseases, and new tools to monitor health, stress, adaptation and reproduction in threatened species facing pollution, harvesting and climate change.
Longterm goals
Our goal is to develop next-generation RNA profiling as a powerful new platform for basic research. We aim to enable noninvasive embryo assessment, high‑resolution cancer subtyping, mechanistic profiling of neurological disease, and conservation genomics.
