A Search for Structural Alternatives of RNA

We have been interested in mapping the landscape of potentially primoridal informational oligomers that contain backbones, recognition elements and linker groups that are quite different from the canonical structures. The oligomer systems chosen for investigation are conceptually regarded as "potentially natural" and "informational". A general background of this approach and recent results from the studies on Orotic acid as a recognition element will be presented.

Such investigations, while hinting at the possibility of finding informational systems that could lay claim as functional ancestors of RNA, are also likely to generate results that give rise to opportunities in assessing the structural and functional uniqueness of RNA.

For more information contact Prof. Loren Williams (404-894-9752).