Speaker: Dr Jessica Kretzmann
The University of Western Australia
Perth
Title: DNA origami for biotechnological applications
Abstract: DNA origami has enabled the construction of DNA nanostructures with unprecedented structural control over size, shape and surface functionality. Using one long strand of ssDNA, and hundreds of short DNA oligos, user-defined complex structures can be formed via sequence-dependent self-assembly in a one-pot annealing reaction. Shapes such as cubes, bricks, cylinders and triangles can be formed, all the way to programmed higher ordered assemblies, molecular rotors, transport pores, and logic gates. Importantly, DNA origami objects are proving to be useful tools in an array of applications such as sensing, nanoplasmonics, nanophotonics and drug delivery.[1]
In this seminar, recent work in the development of DNA origami for biotechnological applications will be discussed. First, the use of functionalised DNA origami shells for virus trapping and neutralisation will be presented. Where, upon binding to the interior of the DNA shells, the viruses are blocked from undergoing interactions with host cells.[2, 3] Secondly, recent results demonstrating the genetic encoding of DNA origami for mammalian gene expression will be discussed.[4, 5]
Bio
Jessica completed her PhD degree in Chemistry from the University of Western Australia, spending part of her doctoral studies as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (2018). Her PhD focused on the design and evaluation of new materials for the delivery of gene therapies. From there, Jessica was an Alexander von Humboldt Postdoctoral Fellow at the Technical University of Munich, where she worked on the design and implementation of DNA origami for biotechnological applications (2020 – 2022) with Prof Hendrik Dietz. Through the Forrest Fellowship, Jessica aims to establish DNA origami as a field of research within Western Australia.
[1] P. Wang, et al., Chem, 2017, 2 (3), 359–382.
[2] C. Sigl, et al., Nat. Mater., 2021, 20 (9), 1281–1289.
[3] A. Monferrer*, J. A. Kretzmann*, et al., ACS Nano, 2022, 16 (12), 20002 – 2009.
[4] J. A. Kretzmann, et al., Nat. Commun., 2023, 14 (1), 1017.
[5] A. Liedl, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2023, 145 (9), 4946 – 4950
About Neuroscience Seminars
Neuroscience seminars at the QBI play a major role in the advancement of neuroscience in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary goal of these seminars is to promote excellence in neuroscience through the exchange of ideas, establishing new collaborations and augmenting partnerships already in place.
Seminars in the QBI Auditorium are held on Wednesdays at 12-1pm, which are sometimes simulcast on Zoom (with approval from the speaker). We also occassionally hold seminars from international speakers via Zoom. The days and times of these seminars will vary depending on the time zone of the speaker. Please see each seminar listed below for details.
