Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

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. Similarly, there is a need for ""smart"" imaging probes that rely not only anatomical information but can also report on the micro-environment for better diagnosis of disease and response to treatment. 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. In order to carry out there work they require modern tools to stay at the forefront of chemistry and be competitive on the international stage. A microwave-assisted peptide synthesizer will give us access to compounds that are otherwise not achievable.