Dr Redmond Smyth

Our research and approach

The research group led by Redmond Smyth investigated how RNA viruses use RNA structure during their replication and evolution. They sought to exploit knowledge of RNA genomic architecture to advance the development of highly targeted RNA-based therapeutics.

RNA viruses are an important class of emerging infectious diseases. Currently, the majority of antivirals and pharmaceuticals function at protein level. However, RNA structures within viral genomes interact with cellular/viral proteins and nucleic acids to provide a novel surface for pharmaceutical intervention. A detailed understanding of these processes is necessary for the development of novel RNA-based therapeutics.

Redmond Smyth’s group studied RNA-based mechanisms of RNA virus replication and evolution. Their work employed a combination of molecular virology, RNA biochemistry and mathematical modelling. They sought to identify essential RNA structures as new antiviral targets, and to understand how RNA structure regulates viral evolution for better vaccine and pandemic preparedness.

Their investigations focused on single molecule and single virion analyses using high-throughput, genome-wide chemical probing technologies and mutation based functional screens. They also developed new technologies including RNA-RNA-seq, single molecule RNA structural probing and sequencing coupled microscopy. The group’s overarching goal was to exploit knowledge of RNA virus genome architecture to advance RNA-based therapies.

Team members

Dr Redmond Smyth

Group Leader

Research projects

Graphical Abstract

The research foci of the Smyth lab
Graphical abstract © Helmholtz Institute Würzburg / Sandy Westermann