From Programming Synthetic DNA to Manipulating Genomes

This talk will summarize two topics of my recent research that relate to fabricating DNA nanostructures in vitro and manipulating Oxytricha genome in vivo. Part I: Canonical B-form DNA, being the carrier of genetic information, has recently been used to fabricate a variety of artificial DNA nanostructures and devices, by taking the advantages of DNA’s distinctive fidelity of base pairing and the programmed sequences for designed shapes. In this part, I will talk about using synthetic DNA molecules as building blocks to construct branched DNA motifs, a binary-state nano-mechanical device, and the work to bridge complex DNA nanostructures and cellular DNA replication machineries. Part II: RNA, normally thought of as a conduit in gene expression, has a novel mode of action in ciliated protozoa. In this part, I will talk about applying engineered-RNA (both long and short) mediated pathways to manipulate Oxytricha genome through targeted nucleotide mutations and chromosomal insertions, fusions, and deletions with high fidelity and efficiency. At the end, I will illustrate some of my future research interests that are of benefit to biology and medical research using programmed synthetic DNA and engineered Oxytricha genome.