Tell us about where you work.  What do you do there, and who do you work with?

I have worked at the Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC) of the Spanish Research Council (CSIC) for the last 5 years. I have my own research group.

What are your primary areas of research?  What do you aim to achieve in these areas?

The primary research area is oligonucleotide synthesis.  Within this area I work on siRNA, modified nucleobases, antisense oligonucleotides, bidimensional DNA arrays, origami DNA, G-quadruplex, and aptamers.

What contributions have you made to these areas so far?  What is the broader importance of your contributions?

We developed novel strategies for the preparation of modified oligonucleotides, especially oligonucleotides as substrates for DNA fidelity studies of DNA polymerases. Also we introduced in DNA inhibitors of methyltransferases: zebularine, 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine etc.  We developed strategies for the preparation of oligonucleotide-peptide conjugates.  These protocols are widely used in the nucleic acids community.

What directions do you expect your research in these areas to take in the future?

Research will be directed toward the development of delivery systems for siRNA and antisense oliognucleotides.  We will also address the design of drugs that bind DNA quadruplexes.   

What do you consider to be the most important recent developments in your areas of research?

Important recent developments are: first, design and study of the properties of artificial DNA molecules such as expanded DNA nucleobases.  Second, development of modified origami DNAs. Third, the use of nanomaterials and aggregates for delivery of nucleic acids to cells.  Fourth, development of nucleic acids as drugs.  Finally, the development of novel DNA binding drugs.

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