With funding from the Organic Dynamics Program Professors Warner and Jebaratnam of Northeastern University will synthesize and test a DNA site specific cleavage reagent containing a specific recognition element tethered on both ends with didiazonium ion precursors. Efforts will be made to identify and enhance site specific cleavage of DNA using metal ion catalysis to generate radicals and to study the site specific cleavage caused by the generation of the tethered phenyl cations. This project will undertake the design of unique carbon based compounds which will break large polymer molecules of DNA at selected bonds in the structure into smaller identifiable components. The successful design of this technology could impact studies such as the human genome project, the genesis of genetic diseases, and genetic engineering.
