This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Biological Sciences program provides $500,000 from March 2024 through February 2027 to researchers at the University of Maryland and Silvec Biologics, Inc. to develop methods to stabilize RNA genomes in viruses that can be used as therapies to treat plant diseases.
The project aims to use computational approaches, including artificial intelligence, to design RNA structures that can be inserted into virus genomes to increase their inherent stability. This will help ensure the virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) RNAs remain intact and effective at silencing pathogen genes that invade plant hosts. The research has potential to significantly impact the agricultural economy, with direct application to treating diseases like citrus greening. The work also provides training opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers through the academic-private sector collaboration.
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