Chemistry Weekly Seminar - Dr. Stacey Wetmore, University of Lethbridge
Dr. Stacey Wetmore, Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge will present a seminar at 1:30 pm via Zoom.
Title
The Chemistry of Modified Nucleic Acids: Using Computers to Reveal the Life behind Life's Molecules
Abstract
The overall objective of research performed in the Wetmore laboratory is to use computer simulations to understand the chemistry of nucleic acids. In this talk, a particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the structural and biochemical implications of modified DNA that arises as a form of damage. Despite its relatively simplistic structure, DNA contains all information vital to life. However, this crucial information can become damaged by exposure to internal and external influences (e.g., UV light, pollutants, metabolic intermediates). Although this damage can have significant health effects (e.g., cancer, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders), many human enzymes can repair DNA damage. Research in the Wetmore group uses a range of molecular modeling approaches to understand the chemistry involved in processing damaged DNA. This talk will discuss some of the recent work performed in the group to understand DNA repair mechanisms. As time permits, this talk may also survey other recent topics of interest related to modified nucleic acid chemistry including structural implications of naturally occurring RNA hypermodifications and the function of modified nucleic acids designed as aptamers or therapeutics.
Date: Friday, November 5
Time: 1:30 pm
Via Zoom video conference (link available by request from chem.dept@usask.ca)