Engineering modifiers of protein-nucleic acid interactions
An example of inhibitory RNA aptamers binding the NF-kappaB transcription factor by molecular mimicry of the normal DNA target from the Nucleic Acid Structure and Recognition Lab led by Dr. Maher at Mayo Clinic.
Overview
The research laboratory of Louis (Jim) J. Maher III, Ph.D., studies the nucleic acids DNA and RNA. Dr. Maher's research team works to understand how the locally stiff DNA molecule is bent and looped by proteins, and how this bending is involved in the control of gene expression. The lab's studies involve bacterial, yeast and mammalian systems, as well as artificial systems of nucleic acids and proteins engineered to test basic principles.
The lab also studies how unnatural DNA and RNA molecules can be selected from random libraries for the ability to tightly bind and inhibit proteins on and in living cells. This work seeks to develop new approaches to artificial gene regulation in diseases such as cancer, and to find new ways to provoke cell regeneration. Example applications include the inhibition of specific transcription factors and the stimulation of remyelination and regeneration in neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
The Nucleic Acid Structure and Recognition Lab also works to understand the biochemistry of cancers such as paraganglioma and glioblastoma where aberrant metabolism may play a key role in tumor growth and therapy.
Research interests
Training opportunities
Education, training and mentorship are vital components of the research activities in the Nucleic Acid Structure and Recognition Lab. Dr. Maher has been a leader in graduate education since 1991, serving as dean of Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences until 2019 and is the co-director for two minority training grant positions. He is a mentor for multiple training programs at Mayo Clinic and has mentored over 20 students toward completing their Ph.D. and M.D.-Ph.D. degrees.
Affiliations
The Maher lab is affiliated with several Mayo Clinic research areas:
About Dr. Maher
Dr. Maher is a biochemist and molecular biologist at Mayo Clinic and professor of biochemistry and molecular biology at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences in Rochester, Minnesota. His research is focused on studying the origin and biological management of DNA stiffness, combinatorial selection of folded DNA and RNA molecules as tools and therapies, and unusual cancers that are caused by defects in cell metabolism. Dr. Maher is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, emeritus dean of Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and a mentor who enjoys coaching students toward research careers.