Ribozyme rolling circle amplification

The origin of life marks an important transition not the least for us humans that are a result of it. Today, it is believed that our biology was preceded by a simpler version in which the ancestors to modern life used RNA instead of proteins and DNA. A cornerstone in this RNA world hypothesis is the appearance of a RNA-based system with the ability to copy itself. Such self-copying systems would have been able to optimise themselves through repeating self-copying cycles and through this process ignite the transition towards Darwinian evolution, which is a prerequisite for development of the life, as we know it. Understanding of the origin of life might lead to a better understanding of life in general.

In-depth investigations of the function of existing RNA-catalysed processes using advanced biochemical and biophysical research methods will be combined with techniques for directing the evolution of RNA molecules towards novel catalytic abilities in order to explore RNA-catalysed self-copying. In particular, we plan to develop a catalytic RNA molecule that can perform a process called rolling circle replication, where a circular RNA template is replicated in a continuous manner. This process is known from nature e.g. in replication of some RNA virus genomes and might provide a simple way to assist self-copying.