QCMM

The QCMM group is specialized in synthesis and characterization of complexes with multiple metal-metal bonds and molecular magnetic materials. Recently, a new research topic has been initiated on the interaction of diruthenium compounds with nucleic acids.In addition to conventional methods and solvothermal synthetic procedures, the QCMM team has incorporated microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis as a routine method. The usual characterization techniques employed by the group include, IR, UV-vis-NIR, NMR, mass spectrometries (MALDI, ESI, FAB), themogravimetric analysis, magnetic measurements (SQUID), powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction. They have also access to electrical conductivity measurements in single crystals and powder, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), electrophoresis and other molecular biology techniques. The QCMM team consists of four permanent researchers, with their respective research interests: Prof. Dr. R. Jimenez-Aparicio (molecular magnetic materials), Dr. S. Herrero (coordination polymers and bio-inorganic chemistry) and Dr. J. L. Priego (metal-metal bond complexes), Dr. M. R. Torres (X-ray single crystal determination). In addition, two non-permanent researchers (Dr. R. González-Prieto and Dr. P. Delgado) and several undergraduate students are also part of the team. All these researchers regularly publish in collaboration with one another.

The use of open-paddlewheel compounds as RNA structure-probing reagent has been registered as a provisional patent and the preliminary results have been published. Nevertheless, this discovery needs to be developed in order to explore all possibilities.The first aim of this project is the construction of a library of diruthenium compounds of the type [Ru2(L-L)3Cl2] (L-L = mononegativebidentate bridging ligand such as amidate, aminopyridinate, hydroxypyridinate, formamidinate, triazenate, guanidinate) capable to distinguish different type of junctions in the RNA. We will design complexes that establish strong bonds with RNA species at specific regions finely tuning the electronic and steric properties of the ligands.Another aim is the development of a characterization technique based on the interaction RNA-diruthenium compounds to identify structural elements of the RNA. The new protocol will be used to analyze unknown RNA structures.In order to understand the mode of interaction between diruthenium species and RNA, we will also study structural models using short oligonucleotides instead of RNA species. We will design these RNA fragments to mimic the IRES sites attacked selectively by Ru2 compounds. We also wish to exploit the sensitivity of the spin state of diruthenium compounds on the ligand environment as a structural probe.

- Resume of the candidate<br />- Motivation letter<br />- Two recommendation letters