Centre for Research in Biomolecular Interactions presents Prof. Nathan Luedtke, Department of Chemistry, University of Zurich, Switzerland

Talk Title: "Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids: Probing DNA In Vivo"

Abstract:

Bioorthogonal functional group chemistry, such as azide-alkyne “click” and tetrazine-alkene cylcloaddition reactions, have revolutionized our ability to study biomolecules in whole cells and animals. DNA is an especially important target for labelling by bioorthogonal functional groups. This can be accomplished by the design and synthesis of novel nucleosides and their addition to living systems – where endogenous pathways activate and incorporate the nucleosides into genomic DNA. As many as three different bioorthogonal functional groups (azide, alkyne, and alkene) can now be incorporated into the genomes of live cells and animals without perturbing DNA function. Subsequent visualization can be accomplished by addition of fluorescent probes that contain complementary bioorthogonal functional groups. This talk will present the development of novel nucleosides and chemical reactions for this approach, as well as their application in addressing fundamental questions regarding DNA folding, DNA damage and repair, developmental biology, and personalized cancer therapy.

Please join us,

Refreshments will be served.