Chemical Synthesis and Applications of Oligonucleotides and Analogs

我的研究项目涉及结构修饰的寡核苷酸(DNA和RNA)和非天然寡核苷酸模拟物的开发，如肽核酸(PNA)：(1)扩大我们对核酸的化学、功能和生物学的理解；(2)将作为序列探针和生物分子工具用于其他研究领域；以及(3)可能作为基因表达的人工调节。另一个研究领域致力于磁共振医学成像用造影剂的设计、合成、理解和应用。 我们在核酸化学领域的工作是由对新的生物分子工具的持续需求推动的。人工合成的低聚物可用作诊断、反义、抗基因、抗miRNA或基于RNAi的靶向验证研究的探针，在功能基因组学领域或作为实际的化疗药物。 这项工作由才华横溢的本科生、研究生和博士后研究员承担，他们将传统的溶液相小分子合成与固相合成以及关键仪器技术相结合。他们从我的实验室毕业，为进入化学和相关科学的专业以及专业课程做好了充分的准备。

My research program is concerned with the development of structurally modified oligonucloetides (DNA and RNA) and non-natural oligonucleotide mimics such as peptide nucleic acid (PNA) that: (1) expand our understanding of the chemistry, function and biology of nucleic acids; (2) will serve as sequence probes and biomolecular tools for other areas of study; and (3) may act as artificial regulators of gene expression. Another area of research is dedicated to the designs, synthesis, understanding and application of contrast agents for medical imaging by magnetic resonance (MR). Our work in the field of nucleic acid chemistry is driven by the continuing need for new biomolecular tools. Synthetic oligomers can be used as probes for diagnostics, for antisense, antigene, anti-miRNA or RNAi-based target validation studies, in the area of functional genomics or as actual chemotherapeutics. This work is undertaken by talented undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral fellows who combine traditional solution phase small molecule synthesis with solid-phase syntheses, and key instrumental techniques. They graduate from my lab well-prepared to enter the professions in Chemistry and allied sciences as well as professional programs.