A4: Stochastic simulation of inter-reacting RNA molecules (Ulrich Gerland)
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.