Current Group Research
Photochemistry of DNA and DNA Analogues
The focus of our research group is on identifying and studying DNA monomer analogues that exhibit high triplet yields. We are interested in understand how DNA is damaged when these molecules are incorporated into singlet- and double-stranded DNA oligonucleotides.
It is well documented that excited triplet states are the primary precursor of light-induced DNA damage. However, progress at understanding their time-resolved photochemistry has been hindered by the intrinsically small triplet quantum yields of the DNA monomers in aqueous solutions.
We are currently interested in a family of biomolecules known as prodrugs that are widely use in therapeutic and pharmacological applications. Their metabolic incorporation into the DNA of patients treated with these prodrugs often results in increased toxicity and skin cancer after the patients are exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight. Understanding the light-induced mechanisms resulting in DNA damage in DNA oligonucleotides containing these drugs is the first step toward the design of the next generation of prodrugs showing reduced phototoxic side effects.
Recent Publications
- Reichardt, C.; Guo, C.; Crespo-Hernández, C. E.;"Excited-State Dynamics in 6-Thioguanosine from the Femtosecond to Microsecond Time Scale", J. Phys. Chem. B 2011, 115, 3263-3270.Access article
- Reichardt, C.; Crespo-Hernández, C. E.; "Room-Temperature Phosphorescence of the DNA Monomer Analogue 4-Thiothymidine in Aqueous Solutions after UVA Excitation", J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2010, 1, 2239-2243.Access article
- Reichardt, C.; Crespo-Hernández, C. E.; "Ultrafast Spin Crossover in 4-Thiothymidine in an Ionic Liquid", Chem. Comm. 2010, 46, 5963-5965.Access article