François Major’s team specializes in RNA Engineering. Its research aims to predict the tertiary structure of RNAs starting from their sequence, to model interaction networks involving microRNAS and to develop targeted therapies based on a RNA capable of blocking the proliferation of cancer cells to cure and even prevent cancer.

Research theme

François Major’s team is dedicated to RNA engineering, combining computational modeling, structural biology, and functional genomics. His group develops original methods to: predict the secondary and tertiary structure of RNAs (MC-Fold/MC-Sym and derived approaches); model miRNA-messenger RNA interaction networks and post-transcriptional regulatory ensembles (RIMap, RINexus); analyze RNA structural dynamics and their effects on gene regulation; design synthetic RNA molecules, syncRNAs, capable of reprogramming entire cellular pathways to restore anti-tumor functions or correct pathological dysregulations.

This program aims to understand how the structure and dynamics of RNAs determine their function, and to exploit this knowledge to create next-generation therapeutic tools.

Research objectives

François Major’s team is developing an integrated bioinformatics ecosystem that enables: the analysis and interpretation of data generated by IRIC’s technology platforms and large public databases; the prediction, at the transcriptome level, of the structural accessibility of RNAs and the interactions of microRNAs and RNA-binding proteins; identify regulatory interaction networks involved in cancer and other complex diseases; design multi-target syncRNAs capable of strategically disrupting oncogenic programs or reinforcing protective cellular programs.
Ultimately, his team aims to produce programmable therapeutic RNAs that can not only block the proliferation of cancer cells, but also detect early cellular changes and trigger a corrective response, a step toward a new generation of preventive and personalized therapies.