Research

Overview    |    Protein Modification Reactions    |    DNA Substrate Reactions    |    Small-Molecule Reactions    |    RNA Ligation    |    Funding

Our laboratory's focus is the development, characterization, and application of DNA as a catalyst. Many proteins have long been appreciated as natural enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions. The discovery of natural RNA catalysts, or ribozymes, revealed that nucleic acids can also be catalysts. No examples of natural DNA catalysts are known. However, the first artificial DNA catalyst, or deoxyribozyme, was reported in 1994. Since 2001, our laboratory has sought to expand our understanding of the chemical reactions that DNA can catalyze. We use in vitro selection methodologies to identify new deoxyribozymes. We characterize these new DNA catalysts mechanistically and structurally. Finally, we utilize deoxyribozymes for various chemical and biological applications. All of these experiments require contributions from the disciplines of chemical biology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology.

For additional information on our laboratory's efforts, please visit the links below, and please see our Publications listing.