Research

John Chaput In the Media Headshot
Space Daily, October 9, 2024

Irvine group creates enzyme for efficient synthetic genetic material production

"TNA's resilience to enzymatic and chemical degradation positions it as the ideal candidate for developing new treatments such as therapeutic aptamers, a promising drug class that binds to target molecules with high specificity. Engineering enzymes that facilitate the discovery of new approaches could address the limitations of antibodies, such as improved tissue penetration, and potentially have an even greater positive impact on human health." (John Chaput)
John Chaput In the Media Headshot
UCI News, October 8, 2024

UC Irvine-led team engineers new enzyme to produce synthetic genetic material

"This achievement represents a major milestone in the evolution of synthetic biology and opens up exciting possibilities for new therapeutic applications by significantly narrowing the performance gap between natural and artificial enzyme systems. Unlike DNA, TNA’s biostability allows it to be used in a much broader range of treatments, and the new 10-92 TNA polymerase will enable us to reach that goal" (John Chaput)
UCI News, October 1, 2024

Adeline and Robert Mah donate another $20 million toward Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building

"The Molecular Innovation Center, under the direction of Andrej Luptak, professor and chair of pharmaceutical sciences, will be located on the second floor of the Falling Leaves Foundation Medical Innovation Building and will pursue next-generation drug design and therapeutics for cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, viral and bacterial infections, childhood diseases and other maladies." (Andrej Luptak)
Jonathan Watanabe In the Media Headshot
UCI News, August 7, 2024

National Academies progress report: health disparities

"The goal of my paper is to empower efforts on multiple levels to enhance the representation of women, minorities and older adults to improve their health outcomes. It serves as a valuable resource of actionable suggestions and reports on the progress that’s been made through coordinated national policy efforts and collaboration from various stakeholders, including research institutions, funding bodies and medical journals." (Jonathan Watanabe)
Nana Entsuah In the Media Headshot
UCI Health Affairs, July 2, 2024

Improving Cardiovascular Health within the African American Community

"To help address this inequity, I am leading a research study supported by a two-year pilot award from the UCLA-UCI Center for Eliminating Cardiometabolic Disparities in Multi-Ethnic Populations (UC END DISPARITIES). The mission at UC END DISPARITIES centers around addressing these inequitable factors that disproportionately affect low-income and minority groups across Los Angeles County and Orange County. " (Nana Entsuah)