Functional nucleic acids as catalysts and molecular recognition elements

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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.