Innovation Clusters

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Research Innovation Clusters

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Innovation Clusters

Our research is structured around four Innovation Clusters, each tackling key challenges in RNA biology:

Cluster 1

Impact of Asian Genetic Diversity on the RNA Biology of Disease

Investigating how genetic variations in diverse Asian populations uniquely impact RNA biology and disease.

Cluster 2

RNA Modifications and Host Immunity

Exploring how RNA modifications influence the immune response and using these insights to develop novel RNA-based therapies.

Cluster 3

Mechanisms and Manipulation of RNA Delivery & Distribution

Understanding the mechanisms of RNA delivery and distribution within cells to optimise the effectiveness of RNA-based treatments.

Cluster 4

Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Personalized RNA Medicine

Studying how RNA therapeutics interact with the body, and developing personalized RNA medicines for Singapore’s diverse population.

Cluster Chairs

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Toh Kian Chui Distinguished Professor, Cardiovascular Epidemiology, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine,
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Chief Scientific Officer, Precision Health Research Singapore (PRECISE)

Professor & Senior Vice Dean (Research),
Duke-NUS Medical School

Executive Director, Precision Health Research Singapore (PRECISE)

Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS)

Research Director, A^*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)

Genetic diversity within Asian populations is underrepresented in global RNA biology research, despite its significant impact on the understanding of disease mechanisms, progression, and therapy response. It addresses the challenge of identifying how unique genetic variants affect RNA biology and contribute to diseases like cancer and cardiometabolic syndromes. By leveraging Singapore’s unique genetic diversity and integrating the whole-genome sequence data and deep phenomic data generated by PRECISE in the SG100K cohort, as well as novel model systems. The research aims to create a rich catalogue of RNA variations and their functional effects in diseases relevant to Asian population and Singapore.

Cluster Chairs

Associate Director & Principal Investigator, Cancer Science Institute of Singapore,
National University of Singapore (NUS)

Assistant Head & Associate Professor, Department of Anatomy, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS)

Principal Investigator, A^*STAR Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN)

Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences,
National University of Singapore (NUS)

RNA modifications are pivotal in modulating innate and adaptive immune responses, yet their role is not yet fully understood. Dysregulated immune control via RNA modifications is implicated in various human diseases. Conversely, RNA modifications can “cloak” therapeutic RNAs or vaccines, preventing their recognition or destruction by the host immune system, which is crucial for developing RNA therapeutics. This research cluster aims to elucidate the mechanisms and connections between RNA modifications and host immunity, addressing a major unresolved challenge with significant translational potential for improving RNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.

Cluster Chairs

Associate Professor, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine,
Nanyang Technological University (NTU)

Principal Research Scientist, National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID)

Executive Director, A^*STAR Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS)

Associate Director, Epigenetic and Epitranscriptomic Systems, A^*STAR GIS

The effectiveness of RNA-based therapeutics depends heavily on their precise delivery to target tissues and cells, but the underlying biological mechanisms of RNA delivery and intracellular distribution remain poorly understood. Factors such as RNA size, chemistry, modifications, and structure play a crucial role in influencing tissue delivery and intracellular distribution by affecting interactions with proteins and other biological macromolecules. Additionally, cell-type specific differences in RNA-binding protein (RBP) expression contribute to the tissue-specificity of RNA uptake and distribution. Understanding and manipulating these mechanisms is essential for designing next-generation delivery platforms that enhance the efficacy and safety of RNA therapeutics. This research cluster aims to bridge this gap and facilitate future development of effective RNA therapeutics.

Cluster Chairs

Senior Consultant, Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute Singapore (NCIS)

Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore

Professor, Program in Emerging Infectious Diseases,
Duke-NUS Medical School

Executive Director, Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response (PREPARE)

Core Investigator, Division of Cell and Molecular Therapy, A^*STAR Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB)

The pharmacological properties of RNA therapeutics and vaccines, are influenced by their chemistry, formulation, dosage and host genetic variation (‘pharmacogenomics’). These pharmacological attributes are fundamental for the therapeutic efficacy and safety of RNA modalities yet these interactions are not well understood and characterized. This research cluster aims to focus on understanding these pharmacogenomic interactions by leveraging on Singapore’s genetically diverse population to study pharmacogenomics with the goal of ultimately developing personalized RNA medicines, that are optimised for diverse patient populations.

Research Innovation Clusters