The human genome consists of approximately 20,000 genes, which is only about five times the genome of the bacterium E. coli and significantly less compared to the genome of a potato or cabbage. This astonishingly low number of genes in the human genome calls for mechanisms that generate the complexities inherent in human development and the sophisticated signaling systems that maintain homeostasis. Over the years, mechanisms have been elucidated that indeed show that proteins and nucleic acids are often chemically modified during their “life span” and that this is involved in regulating their action.
These processes include posttranslational modifications of proteins that vary with time and cellular location to allow cells to adjust protein activities to intra- and extracellular stimuli. Here, the protein-based modification ubiquitin and nucleic acid-reminiscent modification poly(ADP-ribose) as well as AMPylation are of particular interest to us. We approach this field in studies on these biopolymers using synthetic tools.
Moreover, recent studies have highlighted the paramount importance of “non-standard” Watson-Crick nucleobases in DNA and RNA. In addition, modified nucleotides play a paramount importance in modern mRNA-based vaccines but are challenging the substrate scope of RNA polymerases that are used for their synthesis. We aim at developing DNA polymerase-based systems that allow tracing of these rare nucleobases as well as broadening the substrate scope of RNA polymerases. Thereby we apply means of directed evolution in the test tube. Moreover, structural aspects of these processes are of particular interest for us.
In a nutshell, our current research comprises the targeted synthesis and generation of functional molecules (e.g., nucleotides, oligonucleotides, proteins, and enzymes), and their subsequent applications in order to explore or tailor complex biological systems. We intensively collaborate with researchers from Biology and Chemistry.
For more information, please consult our recent publications.
