Since 2023, Xu Gang, an associate researcher at Fudan University’s Institute for Multiscale Research of Complex Systems and a technical advisor at Aoboshengke, has been at the forefront of transferring protein AI expertise into the RNA domain. His team has developed two groundbreaking models: ProtRNA and ProtmRNA. The ProtRNA model capitalizes on the protein language model ESM-2, achieving superior structural prediction accuracy even with limited RNA data, outperforming specialized RNA-focused models. The ProtmRNA model, tailored for mRNA codon regions, significantly improves predictions related to degradation, expression, and stability. This advancement streamlines drug development processes, cutting both time and costs.
Xu Gang brings together a unique blend of biological expertise and algorithmic innovation, with a strong focus on practical, industry-driven applications. Aoboshengke has pioneered a “dry-wet closed-loop” system that seamlessly merges computational modeling with experimental validation. This iterative approach refines models based on real-world experimental feedback, creating a valuable repository of proprietary data.
The interdisciplinary team, featuring renowned experts such as Jianpeng Ma, Michael Levitt, Alan Fersht, and Xu Gang himself, currently prioritizes antibody development while also exploring mRNA-related opportunities. The platform’s adaptability allows it to support diverse applications, including vaccine development, protein-based therapeutics, and gene therapy.
