Andrej Luptak, Ph.D.

Rubriques

Andrej Luptak, Ph.D.
Title
Associate Professor
Department
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Institution
University of California, Irvine
Address
BSA 147
City, State, ZIP
Irvine, CA 92697
Phone
(949) 824-9132
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.chem.uci.edu/~aluptak/
Research field
Genetics
Award year
2010
Pew distinction
Innovation Fund investigator

Research

We explore the biology and chemistry of RNA by utilizing in vitro selection techniques to search for new catalytic RNAs in mammalian genomes. Through these RNAs, we look for novel modes of cell regulation. Another way in which we combine the study of RNA biology and chemistry is to use synthetic libraries to select aptamers and ribozymes with designed characteristics. Of particular interest is the selection of fluorogenic molecules that we will use to study RNA in live cells with hitherto unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. To facilitate the selection process we are developing novel fluorescence-based methods to display and isolate fluorogenic nucleic acids.

As an Innovation Fund investigatorLuptak’s lab is teaming up with the lab of Barbara Golden, Ph.D., to develop a programmable RNA enzyme, or ribozyme, that can be used to build new customized proteins. The idea, born in Golden’s laboratory, will allow researchers to artificially incorporate specific markers and modify proteins for diverse biotechnological purposes (e.g., protein tracking and drug enhancement), and enhance the study of fundamental biological processes.

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