Research Groups

• The Frank-Kamenetskii Group

• The Cantor Group

• The Collins Group

The Frank-Kamenetskii Group      

Research Brief:

The Cantor Group       

Research Brief:

The Cantor group is mostly focused on developing methods for high-throughput DNA analysis and on protein engineering. Various improved schemes for using mass spectrometry (MS) for DNA sequencing, expression profiling, molecular haplotyping and sample fingerprinting are studied both theoretically and experimentally. A major rate-limiting step in high-throughput MS analysis is multiplex PCR, and new single-primer approaches have been developed to accelerate this step. Research at the protein level involves streptavidin, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), and RNA-interacting/modifying proteins. We continue to design novel recombinant streptavidin derivatives. Improved two chain dimeric molecules and single chains with two biotin-binding sites are among the current objectives. Split protein technology is now under development for RNA tracking in live cells and for other diagnostic/therapeutic applications.

The Collins Group       

Research Brief:

The Collins group, in collaboration with Charles Cantor, focuses on using techniques from nonlinear dynamics and molecular biology to model, design and construct synthetic gene networks. We also are developing algorithms and experimental protocols for reverse engineering the structure of naturally occurring gene networks. For more information about our lab, please visit our Applied Biodynamics Laboratory Site.