NuFold: Pioneering 3D RNA Structure Prediction at Purdue University

NuFold is an innovative **computational solution** created by researchers at Purdue University to address the significant gap in 3D RNA structure knowledge. RNA, a crucial molecule in various biological functions, has recently garnered attention as a promising drug target. Unfortunately, the complex and time-consuming process of uncovering RNA structures has left many life-saving RNA discoveries delayed. **NuFold** promises to **expedite medical discoveries** by decades, using advanced computational techniques similar in scope to the renowned AlphaFold, which revolutionized protein structure prediction. Located within the Department of Biological Sciences and closely affiliated with the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research and the Rosen Center for Advanced Computing, **Kihara's team** has been instrumental in this breakthrough. The tool uses **state-of-the-art machine learning** to predict the full atomic structures of RNA from its sequence, outperforming traditional energy-based methods. **Yuki Kagaya**, the main developer, emphasized how NuFold accurately captures RNA's inherent flexibility and has already shown superior accuracy in benchmark tests. Accessible through public platforms like Google Colab, NuFold empowers researchers globally to visualize RNA structures, thereby enhancing research progress and drug development processes significantly. Supported by major institutions like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, this groundbreaking work also received crucial resources from the Oracle for Research Cloud Grant and the Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment. Through collaborative efforts, NuFold is set to accelerate RNA research and unlock new potentials in understanding **life's molecular mechanisms**.