Organic Chemistry Seminar: Chemically modified FIT-PNAs - Developing Brighter RNA Sensors
Prof. Eylon Yavin, School of Pharmacy & Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Abstract:
Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs) are synthetic DNA analogs that exert high stability and have remarkable affinity and sequence-specificity to complementary RNA/DNA. PNAs have been used in the last two decades as RNA sensing molecules by the FIT-PNA (Forced Intercalation -PNA) approach.
In my talk, I will present our recent efforts to improve the sensitivity and the selectivity of FIT-PNAs to RNA. These include chemical modifications on the sensing dye molecule as well as to the surrounding PNA bases that are in close proximity to the dye. The overall goal of these studies is to develop RNA sensors for genetic disorders related to cancer as well as to drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum, the causative pathogen (parasite) in malaria.
Event Organizer: Dr. Muhammad Jbara
