The Use of Deep Learning in RNA Therapeutic Development

Ribonucleic acid (RNA)-based therapeutics have emerged as promising methods of disease treatment due to their ability to target the human genome and influence protein production, their versatility, and their relative lack of toxicity compared to other gene therapies. However, the RNA therapeutic design space is extremely large, encompassing multiple variables, including codon identities, secondary structure, and design of specific regions. RNA therapeutic optimization is difficult due to the impracticality of exploring such a vast design space experimentally. To address this limitation, deep learning methods have been employed to optimize RNA therapeutic development. In this review, we examine the application of deep learning models across three key aspects of RNA therapeutic development (RNA structure prediction, CRISPR activity, and RNA delivery), highlighting major contributions in these fields and analyzing how deep learning model architectures could affect model performance. We then discuss challenges associated with using deep learning for RNA therapeutics, such as computational and data limitations. Finally, we offer perspectives on areas for future exploration, such as emerging model architectures and methods of integration with more advanced high-throughput screening techniques. Ultimately, this review provides an overview of how deep learning is used in RNA therapeutic development and how it can evolve in the future.