About us
DNALab focuses on the integration of nucleic acid chemical biology and biomedical engineering, combining expertise in both fields to advance our research.. We pioneer innovative chemical biology tools and bionanotechnological strategies to decode nucleic acid structure-function relationships, while leveraging emerging biological discoveries to advance analytical chemistry, materials science, and therapeutic development. Our research synergizes chemical synthesis, molecular engineering, and systems biology to address fundamental challenges in disease diagnostics and precision medicine. Current focal areas include:
1. Non-Canonical Nucleic Acid Structures Research
Investigation of G-quadruplexes, i-motifs, and triplex structures through structural biology and spectroscopy to understand their roles in gene regulation and develop structure-targeted therapies for cancer and genetic disorders.
2. Multiplex Nucleic Acid Detection Research
Development of multiplex nucleic acid detection systems leveraging programmable DNA/RNA scaffold engineering to integrate qPCR amplification with fluorescent signal cascades, enabling simultaneous quantification of multiple pathogenic targets through structure-guided molecular recognition.
3. Disease Diagnostics Research
We are dedicated to developing nucleic acid-based biosensors for the early detection and prognosis of infectious diseases and cancers. By integrating signal amplification strategies, our goal is to achieve highly sensitive point-of-care diagnostics and prognosis, thereby enhancing early disease detection and treatment outcomes.
4. Fluorescent Nucleic Acid-Targeting Probes
Structure-guided chemical synthesis produces fluorescent compounds that selectively bind disease-associated DNA/RNA structures (e.g., G-quadruplexes, I-motifs). These dual-functional agents enable simultaneous detection through fluorescence signaling and therapeutic modulation of pathogenic nucleic acid conformations in neurological disorders and cancer, with specificity refined via systematic synthetic optimization.
Join us
Our laboratory welcomes undergraduate and graduate students to explore the structural and functional properties of non-canonical nucleic acids through interdisciplinary methodologies. We employ chemical synthesis, spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, fluorescence, CD), PCR-based biomolecular engineering, and computational tools to unravel the biological roles of unconventional nucleic acid conformations.
We operate through regular group meetings and collaborative experiments, where members develop fundamental research skills, including experimental design and data analysis, under step-by-step guidance from faculty. Our workflow balances independent exploration with structured peer-review sessions, allowing members with diverse expertise to cross-validate methodologies. This dual focus on individual skill development and collective knowledge exchange aims to systematically enhance everyone's research competencies. We hope that this approach not only fosters a strong foundation in research but also encourages a collaborative and supportive environment for all members.