Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

My research program is concerned with the development of structurally modified oligonucleotides (DNA and RNA) and non-natural oligonucleotide mimics such as peptide nucleic acid (PNA and PMO) 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 design, synthesis, understanding and application of contrast agents for medical imaging by magnetic resonance (MR) and positron emission tomography (PET). 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, as aptamers and aptasensors, and in the area of functional genomics or as actual chemotherapeutics. Due to the strength in medical imaging at the Robarts Research Institute at Western University and at London Health Sciences network we have had the opportunity to build a program in the discovery of new imaging agents for serious diseases such as cancer and Alzheimers. This work is undertaken by a cohort of talented undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral fellows who combine traditional solution phase small molecule synthesis with solid-phase syntheses, and key instrumental techniques. We collaborate with fellow researchers in Canada and abroad in nucleic acid chemistry and medical imaging. Thus, trainees graduate from my lab well-prepared to enter the professions in Chemistry and allied sciences as well as professional programs with an appreciation for the global nature of Science.