DNA-Protein binding assays

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Interactions between DNA and proteins are responsible for many biological processes in the cell. The affinity and specificity of these interactions can be exploited for bioanalytical assays that make use of DNA-protein binding. The primary objective of this research is to develop novel bioanalytical technology combining DNA-protein affinity recognition, capillary electrophoresis separation, and laser induced fluorescence detection. Both established and novel affinity probes, including antibodies, DNA damage recognition proteins, and short synthetic DNA molecules (aptamers), will be examined for their ability to bind with the target molecules. To assay for DNA damage, for example, DNA will be isolated from cells and incubated with a fluorescent probe recognizing the damage. The complex of the affinity probe with the damaged DNA will be separated from other molecules by capillary electrophoresis and its concentration will be quantified by laser induced fluorescence.