Abstract:
Our lab integrates biomolecular engineering, biomaterials, and bioanalytical chemistry approaches to address therapeutic and diagnostic challenges across cancer and other diseases. In the therapeutics arena, RNA is experiencing a renaissance since the recent clinical successes of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. By leveraging the sequence and structural versatilities of RNA, we engineer multifunctional RNA macromolecules as genetic tools, immunomodulatory materials, and generic building blocks. Towards overcoming analytical barriers in clinical diagnostics, I will highlight work in developing and translating ultrasensitive single-molecule detection technologies for measuring low abundance protein biomarkers.