A5073908723- RNA and protein synthesis mechanisms
- Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
- RNA modifications and cancer
- DNA and Nucleic Acid Chemistry
- RNA Research and Splicing
- Chemical Synthesis and Analysis
- Integrated Circuits and Semiconductor Failure Analysis
- Electron and X-Ray Spectroscopy Techniques
- RNA regulation and disease
- Molecular Junctions and Nanostructures
Pennsylvania State University
2017-2025
Membraneless compartments, such as complex coacervates, have been hypothesized plausible prebiotic micro-compartments due to their ability sequester RNA; however, compatibility with essential RNA World chemistries is unclear. We show that compartments can enhance key prebiotically-relevant chemistries. demonstrate template-directed polymerization sensitive polycation identity, polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDAC) outperforming poly(allylamine), poly(lysine), and poly(arginine) in...
A number of small, self-cleaving ribozyme classes have been identified including the hammerhead, hairpin, hepatitis delta virus (HDV), Varkud satellite (VS), glmS, twister, hatchet, pistol, and twister sister ribozymes. Within active sites these ribozymes, myriad functional groups contribute to catalysis. There has extensive structure-function analysis individual but extent which catalytic devices are shared across different is unclear. As such, emergent principles for ribozymes may await...
Abstract RNA can serve as an enzyme, small molecule sensor, and vaccine, it may have been a conduit for the origin of life. Despite these profound functions, is thought to quite limited molecular diversity. A pressing question, therefore, whether adopt novel states that enhance its function. Covalent modifications demonstrated augment biological function, but much less known about non-covalent alterations such protonated or tautomeric forms. Conventionally, G•U wobble has U shifted into...
Small ribozymes cleave their RNA phosphodiester backbone by catalyzing a transphosphorylation reaction wherein specific O2′ functions as the nucleophile. While deprotonation of this alcohol through its acidification would increase nucleophilicity, little is known about pKa in small ribozymes, part because high pKa's are not readily accessible experimentally. Herein, we turn to molecular dynamics calculate nucleophilic hairpin ribozyme and study interactions within active site that may impact...