PLU researchers shine light on RNA activities

Audrey Borloz ’24, Fani del Toro ’24, Aidan Donnelly ’25, Grady Lemma ’25, and Angela Rodriguez Hinojosa ’24 spent the summer focused on synthesizing organic compounds called antenna ligands for lanthanide ions. When these molecules interact with specific ions like europium(III) or terbium(III), they exhibit an extraordinary light-absorption property. This results in the ions emitting prolonged luminescence, which surpasses the typical fluorescence we’re more familiar with.

Simply put, imagine having a special marker that attaches to objects in a room and makes them glow under a UV blacklight. Now, envision this concept magnified to a molecular level. Funded by a collaborative three-year grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, professor of chemistry Neal Yakelis and his collaborators from two other Puget Sound area universities are working to adapt this concept for their research.

“It never ceases to amaze me how my students transform into young scientists through their work in the lab during our summer research program at PLU,” said Professor Yakelis. “This project has allowed them to experience the collaboration necessary to answer important scientific questions. The students’ creativity and meticulous work have helped to develop new methods to build these luminescent molecules in a greener, more efficient manner. I’m confident they are well-prepared to take on new questions in their future paths.”

Using a clever aptamer strategy, the ultimate goal was to employ these luminescent markers in labeling and activating RNA molecules. Essentially, they’re affixing a unique tag to RNA, enabling them to observe its intricate functions within cells. Understanding RNA activities is pivotal, as these molecules play a vital role in various cellular processes. This cutting-edge research has the potential to uncover invaluable insights into cellular mechanisms.

Angela Rodriguez Hinojosa ’24 | Chemistry major

Reflecting on a day in the lab

“A typical day in the lab starts with reviewing my plans for an experiment and talking to Dr. Yakelis to ensure everything is designed well. Experiments vary and can last a few hours or take a few days. For example, there will be some days that I design and execute multiple short experiments,” reflected Rodriguez Hinojosa.

“Once my plans are organized, I set up my experiment in the fume hood and get started on a reaction. My reactions usually are on a smaller scale and require various steps such as heating, stirring, separation, purification, and characterization. Separation consists of vacuum filtration or extraction via a separatory funnel. Purification consists of high vacuum or rotary evaporation, and finally, characterization techniques are Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and FTIR Spectroscopy, which are techniques used to identify the product.”

“Each of my reactions requires almost all these steps, which can make the process lengthy, but overall, the hard work pays off when you produce your target compound.”

“My time working in the lab has evolved dramatically because not every experiment is the same, as they can vary in length, scale, and techniques. However, I was quick to adapt to these changes and learned to navigate how to approach different experiments. Research requires patience, critical thinking, and problem-solving. I was glad to learn from Dr. Yakelis and be a part of his team!”