CARELL GROUP
Laboratories
With a foundation in synthetic organic chemistry, the group reaches out to unravel the mysteries of the molecules of life, with emphasis on the nucleic acids. These versatile molecules are both extremely stable and extremely diverse in their chemistry.
In the case of DNA, highly efficient replication and repair systems have ensured the stability of the genetic code for millions of years. In the case of RNA, about 170 different building blocks of RNA have been identified so far. The function of these molecules spans from information storage and inheritance to the regulation of life-processes and fascinating catalytic properties. It is at this interface between Chemistry and Biology where the Carell group positions itself.
We could report prebiotic chemistry that enabled the loading of both nucleosides and RNAs with amino acids as the first step toward RNA-based peptide synthesis in a putative RNA-peptide world. Check it out!
We could show that in primary human T cells, the activation of the innate sensor STING leads to antiviral cytokine release. However, T cell functionality is reduced upon STING activation through increased apoptosis, impaired proliferation, and compromised metabolism. Check it out!
We developed ready-to-click rhodamine dyes with outstanding brightness. They outperform 5-TAMRA-azide and show potential as FRET quenchers. Check it out!
Isoxazole-based Nucleosides not only pair with regular RNA, but also convert to pyrimidines. It demonstrates that RNA could evolutionarily emerge from primitive precursor isoxazole ribosides. Check it out!
Dideoxy-2′,3′-cGAMP and analogs thereof are poxin-stable STING agonists. Particularly the compound dideoxy-2′,3′-cAAMP features high antitumor response in mice. Check it out!
CARELL GROUP
A Synonym for Successful DNA Research
RESEARCH
Our research is centered around the Chemical Biology of Nucleic Acids. We have a special interest in RNA and DNA modifications, including regulatory/epigenetic modifications as well as detrimental DNA lesions and their repair. An additional research focus includes synthetic modifications, such as applying click chemistry to DNA, building brighter probes for diagnostics and optimizing gene transfer.
EPIGENETIC TOOLS
Novel Phosphoramidites of New Epigenetic Bases
EPIGENETIC TOOLS
The Carell group has developed sophisticated tools for DNA and RNA research. These are isotopically labelled nucleosides for tracing and quantification. Our phosphoramidites are now sold through GlenResearch. Find out what is available.
Publications CARELL GROUP
The Complete List
PUBLICATIONS
Here you will find a complete list of our published research in high-impact journals like Science, Nature, Cell and Angewandte Chemie.
Links will guide you to the publishers' websites. Latest papers on top.
Lectures and Courses
by the CARELL GROUP
TEACHING
Prof. Carell teaches bioorganic chemistry (OC3) in the Bachelor of Chemistry and Biochemistry program. Together with Dr. Müller, he offers a program in Chemical Biology, consisting of two lectures and a practical course. In the Supplements section, students can find study examples for their exam preparation.
