Rutgers University-New Brunswick · BiochemistryEnzyme-DNA Interaction Lab
Smita S Patel · New Brunswick, New Jersey
Research Focus
Dr. Smita S Patel's lab at Rutgers focuses on understanding how specific enzymes interact with DNA and RNA during important biological processes like transcription, replication, and viral infection response. Using advanced techniques in biochemistry and structural biology, the lab investigates how helicases and polymerases work to recognize viral signals and regulate mitochondrial DNA function. The lab’s research aims to uncover fundamental mechanisms that could lead to new therapies for viral infections and mitochondrial diseases.
DNA replicationviral RNA recognitionhelicasespolymerasestranscription mechanismsinnate immunitykinetic modelingcryoelectron microscopy
Research Aims
4AIM 01Characterize the role of helicases in viral RNA recognition.
AIM 02Investigate the mechanisms of mitochondrial DNA transcription.
AIM 03Understand the dynamics of DNA replication processes.
AIM 04Develop new strategies for antiviral therapies through enzymatic mechanisms.
Skills the Lab Values
transient state kineticssingle-molecule kineticscryoelectron microscopybiochemical assaysstructural analysiscell-signaling assayscomputational modelingin vitro reconstitutionRNA sequencing
Output against the department
Publications344top 17% of dept.67th of 402
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations18ktop 24% of dept.98th of 402
this lab
most citedleast cited
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