Research Profile

In our research we merge synthetic chemistry with biomolecular engineering to address the chemistry of functional nucleic acids. We synthesize DNA and RNA with diverse modifications and labels, and harness the ability of synthetic DNA and RNA to assemble into functional complexes. This allows us to construct DNA catalysts for biomolecular transformations, including RNA labeling and detection of natural RNA modifications, and to engineer RNA aptamers that endow bound ligands with new functions. We are excited to explore the versatility of synthetic DNA and RNA for new applications at the interface of organic chemistry with biology, medicine and nanotechnology.

Key Publications

A. Ponce-Salvatierra et al., Nature 2016, 529, 231-234, Crystal structure of a DNA catalyst.
DOI:10.1038/nature16471

B. Samanta et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 1912-1916, Fluorogenic labeling of 5-formylpyrimidines in DNA and RNA.
DOI: 10.1002/anie.201508893

L. Büttner et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2014, 136, 8131-8137, Site-specific labeling of RNA at internal ribose hydroxyl groups: terbium-assisted deoxyribozymes at work.
DOI: 10.1021/ja503864v