Donald Burke
Associate Professor
Molecular Microbiology & Immunology

Research:
Understand the mechanism and evolution of catalysis by ribozymes and the molecular basis of retroviral inhibition by RNA-based drugs.

Both aptamers and ribozymes are found in nature and can be isolated from combinatorial libraries containing ~10¹⁵ species. Ribozymes are RNA enzymes, while aptamers are RNAs selected to bind molecular partners. LIFE IS MOLECULAR RECOGNITION! By understanding, controlling, and manipulating the transient, non-covalent interactions that govern recognition, we can control the molecules of life. Our work is defining whether metabolic ribozymes can be engineered to replace protein enzymes inside cells, and whether aptamer inhibitors of HIV-1 replication can illuminate viral pathogenesis. We are also learning how the three-dimensional structure of a ribozyme directs catalysis and whether multi-clade targeting of aptamers prevents the evolution of drug resistant HIV.

More on Dr. Burke's Research

• Publications
• Lab Members