SBIR Phase II: Software for Micro RNA Detection and Analysis

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop machine learning tools for RNA gene detection. Prior Phase I research resulted in the successful development of artificial neural networks for the discrimination of functional RNA (fRNA) coding regions from non-coding regions in four model eukaryotes. The Phase II project will focus on (1) refinement of best evolved neural networks for 10 key eukaryotes capable of discriminating fRNA coding from non-coding sequence information, (2) experimental verification of predicted fRNA coding regions in human and mouse, (3) development of machine learning algorithms capable of discriminating between eukaryotic fRNA subtypes, (4) extension of the approach to include machine learning tools capable of discriminating between fRNA subtypes and to evaluate this potential for additional functionality, and (5) development of a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) for the product. The commercial application of this project will be to identify a new class of targets for drug design and discovery for the pharmaceutical industry. The educational aspects of the proposed work will be to assist in dissemination of knowledge about the importance of fRNAs to the next generation of scientists.