Biochemistry

Tutor Prof. Ing. Tomáš Ruml, CSc. & Doc. Ing. Michal Hocek, DSc.
Team Michal Hocek
Topic Enzymatic construction of functionalized nucleic acids and study of their interactions with proteins
Faculty FPBT VŠCHT
Abstract

Polymerase synthesis of base-modified oligonucleotides and DNA from base-functionalized nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) will be studied. The base-modifications will focus on molecular probes (redox-active or fluorescent groups) and chemically reactive groups for bioconjugation (i.e. cross-linking with proteins). Interactions of these modified DNAs with selected DNA-binding proteins (e.g. restriction endonukleases, DNA methyl-transferases, repair enzymes and transcription factors) will be studied. The project will be performed in collaboration of the laboratories of both supervisors at FPBT VŠCHT and IOCB ASCR.

Leading references:
1. Raindlová, V.; Pohl, R.; Šanda, M.; Hocek, M. "Direct polymerase synthesis of reactive aldehyde-functionalized DNA and its conjugation and staining with hydrazines" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2010, 49, 1064-1066.
2. Macíčková-Cahová, H.; Hocek, M. " Cleavage of adenine-modified functionalized DNA by type II restriction endonucleases" Nucleic Acids Res. 2009, 37, 7612-7622.
3. Cahová, H.; Havran, L.; Brázdilová, P.; Pivoňková, H.; Pohl, R.; Fojta, M.; Hocek, M. "Aminophenyl- and Nitrophenyl-Labeled Nucleoside Triphosphates. Synthesis, Enzymatic Incorporation and Electrochemical Detection" Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2008, 47, 2059-2062.