Interactions of peptide nucleic acids with biologically relevant RNA motifs

The aim of the project is to determine the thermodynamics of sequence-specific interaction of peptide nucleic acids (PNA) and PNA-peptides with biologically relevant tertiary structures of RNA. We want to develop guidelines that can be used in the future to design PNA sequences that will bind to different types of RNA structures, to inhibit their function. The studied targets are unique recognition sites in RNA tertiary structures of ribosomal RNA, mRNA or riboswitches. We are applying molecular dynamics simulations as well as experimental techniques. We plan to in-house synthesize and purify PNA oligomers and PNA-peptide conjugates. To determine the thermodynamics, and mode of binding and their dependence on solution conditions, we use spectroscopic and microcalorimetric techniques.

Principal Investigator: Joanna Trylska