The Development of diagnostic tools for detection and quantifications of mRNA

Methylation of adenosines is a common base modification within eukaryote mRNA, but its role is still uncertain. The main objective of the PhD project linked to this lab rotation is to develop new tools and methods to determine the extent and position of RNA methylation. In this lab rotation project you will learn how to prepare modified building blocks (called phosphoarmidites) that are used for oligonucleotide synthesis, and you will then learn how to incorporate these into oligonucleic acid sequences. Furthermore, you will learn how to analyse RNA samples using a variety of techinques relevant to the project (HPLC, TLC, Mass Spec etc.).