Larry W. McLaughlin

Professor of Chemistry, Retired

Research

Our research spans three related areas: (1) we prepare nucleoside analogues as potential antivirals. We examine structural alterations on both the nucleobase as well as the sugar. Our goal is to develop compounds that exhibit differential activity with polymerase - active with the virus, inactive wit human polymerases - this will help us to develop new anti-virals. (2) Understanding macromolecular recognition processes is critical to understanding gene expression. To probe such processes we prepare modified DNA sequences in which the recognition sites are functionally altered. We use these altered DNA sequences to probe structure, function and recognition. (3) The natural structural characteristics of DNA lend themselves to the construction of repeating lattices formed by hybridization of complementary DNA sequences. These nanoscale structures can be used as crystallization scaffolds for multi-component systems, to sequester nanometer sized solutes or for controlled release of nanoscale pharmaceuticals.

Selected Honors and Awards

  • American Cancer Society Faculty Research Award, 1991

Representative Key Publications

  • Salandria, Kerry J.; Arico, Joseph W.; Calhoun, Amy K.; McLaughlin, Larry W. (2011) 鈥淪tability of DNA Containing a Structural Water Mimic in an A-T Rich Sequence鈥澛J. Am. Chem. Soc.聽133, 1766-1768.
  • Theile, Christopher S.; McLaughlin, Larry W. (2012) 鈥淎n efficient synthetic approach to 6,5 '-(S)- and 6,5 '-(R)-cyclouridine鈥澛Chem. Comm.聽48, 5587-5589.
  • Theile, Christopher S.; McLaughlin, Larry W. (2012) 鈥淪ynthesis of 6,6鈥-(S)-cyclo-2鈥-deoxyuridine Featuring a Unique Barbier-Style Cyclization鈥澛RSC Adv.聽2, 11678-11680.