Professor Lesley Davenport

Ph.D.,University of Salford (UK), 1981

Phone: 718-951-5000 x2825

LDvnport@brooklyn.cuny.edu

Grant Support: NIH SCORE, $636,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Nature of Research

Our laboratory is interested in studying the conformation, dynamics and interactions of important biomolecules and complex macromolecules. We primarily employ state-of-the-art fluorescence methodologies for our studies.

A major focus of our group is the study of human telomeric DNA sequences, which are found at the end of chromosomes, and are a target for the interaction with potential cancer chemotherapeutics. The guanine-rich telomeric DNA can assume highly stable G-quadruplex structures which inhibit the activity of telomerase, an enzyme that is important for tumorigenesis. Hence stabilization of the G-quadruplex conformation is an important approach in potential cancer therapies. We are investigating the stability and dynamics of the G-quadruplex conformation, and the effects of small molecule binding on stabilization of the G-quadruplex structures.

Rotation Projects

Students will join an active research group currently engaged in hands-on biochemical and biophysical methodologies. Students will gain experience in handling DNA-oligonucleotides. In addition, we are well-equipped for fluorescence studies with both steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopic capabilities and fluorescence microscopy. Other spectroscopic methods routinely used by students include absorption and circular dichroism. We also have access to isothermal titration calorimetry for studies of DNA-ligand binding.

References

Liu, X.L., Kopkalli, Y., Vu, T., Hawkins, M.E., and Davenport, L. (2008) ‘Conformational Stability of Fluorescently Labeled Human Telomeric G-Quadruplexed DNA Sequences.’ Biophysical Journal 94, 289 (conference abstract).