biosciences
A research group at CU Boulder, led by Dr. Marvin Caruthers and聽Dr. Subhadeep Roy, have established a novel silyl-based exocyclic amine protecting group that is compatible with boronation allowing the synthesis of bpDNA oligomers up to 20-25 nucleotide in length in yields and purity comparable to that of unmodified DNA.- Prof. Joel Kaar has demonstrated the use of polymer modification to specifically modulate the interactions of enzymes with non-native solvents. This approach allows one to rationally tune the interactions of the enzyme-polymer conjugate with non-aqueous solvent in a thermoresponsive manner within a desired temperature range.
- Using a unique assay, Dr. Min Han's team has discovered an unexpected and striking role of Enterobactin (Ent) in supporting growth and the labile iron pool in C. elegans. Ent, a compound with high affinity for iron (Fe3+), is produced and used by certain bacteria (including gut microbes) to acquire iron from the environment. This new work has demonstrated that ferric-Ent is taken up by the host and is bioavailable.
- Researchers working at CU Boulder and Immodulon Therapeutics Limited have discovered novel, mycobacterially-derived lipid compounds that have potent anti-inflammatory effects and could be useful in the treatment and prevention of sepsis and post-sepsis syndrome.
- Dr. Amy Palmer's team is developing Riboglow, a versatile riboswitch-based RNA imaging system. The short size of the RNA tag used in the system enabled the visualization of U1 snRNA in live cells for the first time.
- Professor Ding Xue has discovered a critical factor in the signalling between irradiated and non-irradiated cells. A series of preclinical drugs are being developed with the goal of improving patient response to radiation therapy.
- Dr. Tor Wagner's team at CU Boulder uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) coupled with machine learning to identify neurologic pain signatures, allowing for the consistent, objective measurement of acute and chronic pain.
- An endoscopically-delivered overtube developed at Dr. Mark Rentschler鈥檚 lab enables physicians to complete difficult endoscopic procedures in outpatient settings with increased success rates and reduced costs.