1980-19891990-19941995-19992000-20042005-presentTheses
Publications. Proof you can do work with an ocean view.
Selected Publications
RNA-Small Molecule Interactions

"Molecular Recognition of RNA by Neomycin and a Restricted Neomycin Derivative."
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2005, 44, 5329-5334. [LINK]

The target "promiscuity" of the aminoglycosides has been attributed to two major factors: 1) their highly charged nature, which is responsible for their eletrostatically driven RNA-binding mode and 2) their conformational adaptability. Although rotation around the glycosidic bonds that link the saccharide building blocks is restricted, the remaining limited flexibility explains some adaptability toward diverse RNA targets. This restricted conformational flexibility attenuates the contribution of charged interactions between RNA and the aminoglycosides, resulting in the formation of welldefined drug complexes that are distinct from nonspecific interactions of nucleic acids with flexible polyamines such as spermidine.
Fluorescent Nucleosides
"Simple Fluorescent Pyrimidine Analogues Detect the Presence of Abasic Sites."
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 10784-10785. [LINK]

A family of simple pyrimidine analogues has been synthesized, and their photophysical properties have been investigated. The most responsive of the family was incorporated in DNA. This isosteric fluorescent DNA analogue monitors denaturation of a DNA duplex via fluorescence and positively detects the presence of abasic sites in DNA duplexes.
Cellular Uptake

"Guanidinylated Neomycin Delivers Large, Bioactive Cargo into Cells through a Heparan Sulfate-dependent Pathway."
J. Biol. Chem. 2007, 282, 13585-13591. [LINK]

A derivative of the aminoglycoside antibiotic neomycin, in which all of the ammonium groups have been converted into guanidinium groups, can carry large (>300 kDa) bioactive molecules across cell membranes. Delivery occurs at nanomolar transporter concentrations and under these conditions depends entirely on cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans.

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