Detalle de: Molecular Evolution, RNA World and Biosensors

This research group studies interrelated topics in the field of the origin and early evolution of life, the genetics of viruses with RNA genomes, the in vitro evolution of nucleic acids and the development of biosensors. It also collaborates in interdisciplinary projects focused on the analysis of biodiversity in extreme environments.

The group's objectives are:

• Investigation of heterogeneous prebiotic scenarios and approaches based on systems chemistry for the origin and early evolution of life.
• Estudio de la polimerización de macromoléculas biológicas que combinan información genética y capacidades funcionales, como el ácido ribonucleico (RNA).
• Analysis of the relationship between RNA genotype (sequence) and phenotype (three-dimensional structure and biological function) under different ionic conditions, using biochemical methods, DNA microarrays and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
• Optimisation of nucleic acid in vitro evolution systems (based on the SELEX method) to select specific RNA and DNA aptamers against low molecular weight biomarkers, structured RNA molecules, peptides and proteins. Application of the obtained aptamers in astrobiology and virology.
• Manufacture of microarrays and other nanotechnology-based biosensing platforms which do not require labelling of the samples analysed, using oligonucleotides, aptamers or nucleic acid analogues immobilised on different chemically modified surfaces as probes.