ADVANCE Fellows Award: Determination of Preferential Interactions Parameters- The Role of Charge Density in Nucleic Acid Structure and Function

Princeton University, Princeton NJ

Investigators

Abstract

This ADVANCE Fellows award supports the research of Alison P. WIlliams at Princeton University. The project will provide experimental measurements of the preferential interaction parameter, which describes the interactions between nucleic acid oligomers and other ions in aqueous solution. Several techniques, including optical melting techniques, equilibrium dialysis, ion analysis and capillary electrophoresis will be used to determine the preferential interaction parameters. This work will enhance the effort to understand and model the role of charge in determining physical properties of nucleic acids. Results can be applied to current problems in a wide range of fields from nucleic acid replication and antisense therapy to nanotechnology. This award is supported through the NSF ADVANCE Program. The overall mission of the ADVANCE Program is to increase the participation of women in the scientific and engineering workforce through the increased representation and advancement of women in academic science and engineering careers.