Projects per year
Personal profile
Personal Statement
Jamie M. Withers is a Research Fellow in the Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde. Jamie's research focuses on the synthesis of novel nucleic acids, and the development of methods to control DNA assembly. Jamie received a Bachelor of Sciecnce degree majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry, a Bachelor of Science with Honours majoring in Chemistry, and a PhD from Massey University, New Zealand. Jamie worked as a Research Associate at the University of Strathclyde from 2015-2018, at the Univeristy of Edinburgh in 2018, before returning to the University of Strathclyde for his current position.
Research Interests
Jamie's research is focused on developing new methods for controlling the assembly of nucleic acids. This includes the design and study of artificial nucleotides with properties not found in natural systems. Although normally considered in a biological context, the 'genetic code' of DNA and RNA can be exploited to convert these biomolecules into molecular construction equipment. By carefully programming its base sequence, DNA can be designed in such a way that it self-assembles into complex 'origami' shapes. Jamie's work is aimed at creating new tools to improve the properties of this DNA origami, including developing nucleotides capable of coordinating to transition metal ions in order to control G-quadruplex formation, and has more recently involved exploiting the fluorous effect as a means of controlling the immobilisation of nucleic acids onto nano-patterned surfaces.
Education/Academic qualification
Doctor of Philosophy, Massey University
Award Date: 13 Mar 2014
Bachelor of Science, Massey University
1 Jan 2005 → 31 Dec 2008
Award Date: 11 Mar 2009
External positions
Research Fellow, School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh
1 Jan 2018 → 31 Aug 2018Keywords
- Chemistry
- Nucleic Acids
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Network
Projects
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Macromolecular construction of DNA networks directed by the fluorous effect
1/11/18 → 31/10/21
Project: Research
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Transformable photonic circuitry: using DNA to create the next generation of molecularly active surfaces
22/06/15 → 21/12/17
Project: Research
Research output
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Sequence-selective minor groove recognition of a DNA duplex containing synthetic genetic components
Padroni, G., Withers, J. M., Taladriz Sender, A., Reichenbach, L. F., Parkinson, J. A. & Burley, G. A., 19 Jun 2019, In: Journal of the American Chemical Society. 141, 24, p. 9555-9563 9 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Citations (Scopus)10 Downloads (Pure) -
DNA minor groove binders as therapeutic agents
Withers, J. M., Padroni, G., Pauff, S. M., Clark, A. W., Mackay, S. P. & Burley, G. A., 29 Jun 2017, Comprehensive Supramolecular Chemistry II: Supramolecular Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology. Atwood, J. L. (ed.). 2nd ed. Amsterdam: Elsevier Inc., Vol. 5. p. 149-178 30 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
5 Citations (Scopus)
Datasets
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Data for: "Sequence-selective minor groove recognition of a DNA duplex containing synthetic genetic components"
Taladriz Sender, A. (Creator), Withers, J. (Creator), Burley, G. (Creator), Padroni, G. (Creator), Parkinson, J. (Contributor) & Reichenbach, L. F. (Contributor), University of Strathclyde, 8 Jul 2019
DOI: 10.15129/6800623a-662c-4e03-8d0b-e2dd7bd4c399, https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.8b12444
Dataset