Leconte Group publishes on new technology to manipulate modified DNAs
Aaron Leconte’s research group in the Keck Science Department is interested in using chemistry to create new tools for manipulating, controlling, and studying biology. A long standing goal of the group has been to develop new methods for creating new types of DNA that have enhanced properties with biotechnological value.
In a recent report, the Leconte Group reports the discovery that several enzymes have an unexpected ability to convert the modified enhanced DNA back into DNA, which is needed for most analysis of these modified DNAs. These new enzymes are faster, more accurate, and easier to use than many current technologies.
The research, described in the article “Accurate and efficient one-pot reverse transcription and amplification of 2’ fluoro-modified nucleic acids by commercial DNA polymerases” was led by current Scripps senior Arianna Thompson with key contributions from alumni Susanna Barrett and Aurora Weiden as well as current students Ananya Venkatesh, Madison Seto, and Simone Gottlieb.
The work was conducted entirely by undergraduate students in the Keck Science Department and was published in the journal Biochemistry.