Functional nucleic acids as catalysts and molecular recognition elements

作为催化剂和分子识别元件的功能性核酸

• 批准号: 227594-2009
• 负责人: Li, Yingfu
• 金额: $ 6.16万
• 依托单位: McMaster University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2013-01-01 至 2014-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=524029
• 关键词: Functional; nucleic; acids; catalysts; molecular

Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are widely known as the hereditary material for the storage and transmission of genetic information in all living organisms on earth. Since early 1980s, nucleic acids have been shown to have other talents as well, which include the ability to perform intriguing functions such as catalysis and binding. The existence of a large array of natural and artificial functional nucleic acids has generated tremendous enthusiasm in the scientific community for investigating fundamental properties of functional nucleic acids and for exploring them for novel applications in diverse fields including chemistry, biology, materials science, and nanotechnology. Our research program is interested in studying three different classes of functional nucleic acids: DNAzymes, aptamers and riboswitches. DNAzymes are man-made single-stranded DNA molecules that can act as catalysts. Aptamers are man-made single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that are capable of binding to other molecules, such as proteins and metabolites. Riboswitches are natural RNA sequences that are used by cells to detect a specific metabolite so that they can make decisions as to whether they need to produce more of this metabolite or slow down its production. This NSERC Discovery Grant aims to create new concepts and develop new approaches that explore DNAzymes, aptamers and riboswitches as chemical and biological tools. For example, we will work on the design of various 'beacons' at molecular level for the detection of specific molecules both inside and outside of cells. We will also use model functional nucleic acids to address fundamental questions about biological catalysis and molecular recognition. This grant will allow my lab to continue to make important discoveries in the arena of functional nucleic acids and to train several highly skilled graduate students over the next five years.

核酸（DNA 和 RNA）被广泛认为是地球上所有生物体存储和传递遗传信息的遗传物质。自 20 世纪 80 年代初以来，核酸已被证明具有其他才能，其中包括执行催化和结合等有趣功能的能力。大量天然和人工功能核酸的存在引起了科学界对研究功能核酸的基本性质并探索其在化学、生物学、材料科学和纳米技术等不同领域的新应用的巨大热情。我们的研究项目有兴趣研究三种不同类别的功能性核酸：脱氧核糖核酸酶、适体和核糖开关。 DNAzyme 是人造单链 DNA 分子，可以充当催化剂。适体是人造单链 DNA 或 RNA 分子，能够与其他分子（例如蛋白质和代谢物）结合。核糖开关是天然的 RNA 序列，细胞用它来检测特定的代谢物，以便细胞可以决定是否需要产生更多这种代谢物或减慢其产生。 NSERC 发现补助金旨在创造新概念并开发新方法，探索 DNAzyme、适体和核糖开关作为化学和生物工具。例如，我们将在分子水平上设计各种“信标”，用于检测细胞内外的特定分子。我们还将使用模型功能核酸来解决有关生物催化和分子识别的基本问题。这笔赠款将使我的实验室能够继续在功能核酸领域取得重要发现，并在未来五年内培养几名高技能的研究生。