A publication of
The Illinois-Iowa Section of
The American Chemical Society
 

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ABSTRACT

Beginning with the advent of direct DNA sequencing and the subsequent introduction of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), molecular biology has undergone a three decade long expansion for which no end appears to be in sight. The growth of the Biotechnology industry, the complete sequencing of dozens of genomes including the human genome, the unraveling of numerous genetic diseases, and the emergence of the small RNA revolution all depend completely on the two core technologies of direct DNA sequencing and PCR. Thus it can fairly be said that DNA sequencing and PCR is the engine that is driving this expansion. What is less well known is that the ability to efficiently synthesize small DNA and RNA fragments, often known as primers, has been the fuel for this engine. In this presentation, the principles of chemical nucleic acid synthesis will be discussed along with its vital role in maintaining and advancing the molecular biology and biotechnology revolution.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Dr. Eric J. Devor, is a Senior Research Scientist, Molecular Genetics and Bioinformatics at Integrated DNA Technologies in Coralville, Iowa. He received his Ph.D. in Genetics, from the University of New Mexico in 1979. He has held the following positions: Assistant Professor of Psychiatric Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; Assistant Professor of Psychiatric Genetics, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 1991-1998. Prior to joining Integrated DNA Technologies, his research focused on gene mapping and the search for genes that conferred increased risk for psychiatric disease. Between 1998 and 2004 his research centered on developing applications for synthetic DNA oligonucleotides. One project resulted in the development of a high efficiency oligonucleotide labeling process called StarFire and another resulted in a patent for an ultra high sensitivity method for detecting the presence of ribonucleases that is marketed under the name RNase Alert. Since 2004, he has focused on developing a method for cloning small, regulatory RNAs called microRNAs. This work has led to a means for microRNA discovery and validation of microRNA expression. Currently, he is working on discovering and validating microRNAs in the genome of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum TM-1 and in the genome of a marsupial- the grey short-tailed South American opossum Monodelphis domestica.

INNOVATIVE GRANT AWARD - UPCOMING MEETING

For the second time in the past few years this Section, through the efforts of Jerod Corbin, Chair, has been the recipient of an ACS Innovative Grant. The grant money will be used to support the December program, a presentation by Dr. Marco Leona, Department of Research, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The program, November 30, will be held at the Figge Art Museum. Visit our website as plans are finalized. Service Awards will also be presented at this meeting

ACS IL/IA SECTION OFFICERS - 2007

NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK

October 22-28 was the week set aside for NCW, "Your Home-It's All Built on Chemistry." The kick-off included chemical demonstrations by Marv Lang and Donald Schowalter presented on "Paula Sands Live." Several radio broadcasts, advertising NCW, were presented on local networks during the week. Many exciting activities also took place at a variety of locations. For a full report on this Section's participation, please visit the following website: http://www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/acsdisplay.html?DOC=ncw\ncw_index.html

BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE OFFICE OF LOCAL SECTION ACTIVITIES

The Office of Local Section Activities has put together a newsletter. Topics include call for papers, Regional and National meeting activities, Education programs, This Month in Chemical History, thoughts to ponder, etc. If anyone is interested in the entire newsletter from the Office of Local Section Activities, it can be accessed at http://chemistry.org/localsections/editors.html .

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