In the electrochemistry subgroup, our research focuses on the development and utilization of electrochemical methods which rely on DNA-mediated charge transport (CT) chemistry. We are using this unique characteristic of DNA both to answer fundamental questions about the CT process and to develop a novel, highly sensitive platform for the detection of DNA-binding proteins and mRNAs.
Our electrochemical techniques exploit the exquisite sensitivity of DNA-mediated CT to perturbations in the pi-stack formed by bases in the double helix. Thiol-modified DNA duplexes containing a redox-active probe are self-assembled into a monolayer on gold. By monitoring the DNA-mediated reduction of the redox probe, it is possible to sensitively probe the integrity of the pi-stack in the region between the gold surface and the redox probe. We have used this technique to detect such perturbations as mismatches, lesions, and protein-DNA interactions including kinking and base-flipping. Current work to develop this technology into a viable protein and mRNA detection assay includes the incorporation of new, covalent redox probes and surface passivation strategies.
An additional focus of the subgroup is the development of multiplexed gold electrode chips to be used to expand our protein and mRNA detection assays into an array-based format. Such arrays will make it possible to simultaneously detect multiple transcription factors and mRNAs on a single chip with minimal sample preparation or purification. The future of this technology shows great promise for use in the clinical setting for the detection of transcription factors or mRNAs which are markers of cancers and other diseases.
Web Site maintained by Eric Olmon
Caltech is not responsible for the content of these pages. Links and pointers to third party Internet web sites are not under the Barton group's nor the Institute's control. The Institute does not assume any responsibility or liability for any information, communications or materials available at such linked sites, or at any link contained in a linked site. You assume sole responsibility for use of third party links.