Research Interests
Next-Generation RNA Therapeutics: We develop efficient synthetic methods to make novel RNA mimetics with improved stability, translation efficiency, and reduced immunogenicity for therapeutic applications including miRNA, siRNA, protein-replacement therapy, mRNA vaccine, and CRISPR.
Reprogram RNA with Small-Molecule: We develop general cell-based platforms to identify selective RNA-binding small molecules and use optimized molecules to inhibit/activate RNA function (e.g., translation), degrade RNA, induce alternative splicing, and even edit RNA in vivo.
Enzyme-Like DNA Catalyst Design: We design enzyme-like DNA catalyst by merging small-molecule catalysts (i.e., co-factor) with programmable DNA structures (i.e., chiral environment) for unsolved reactivity and selectivity problems in a more sustainable way.