Introduction to the topic
Dianox develops novel oligonucleotides called chemical antibodies or aptamers that can bind to proteins, small molecules, or cells with high affinity. We have developed a proprietary database and machine learning platform to create new aptamers that can bind to different targets.
Project details
The research project will encompass binding of aptamers to surface proteins related to cancer. The research assistant will test these aptamers using fluorescence and other techniques on proteins or cancer cells lines. Over the course of the term, the research assistant will do weekly one-pagers and finalize the project by writing up a research paper.
Please note: This course will require a lot of reading in the beginning of the semester in order to understand the fundamentals of the research.
Selected relevant publications:
- Jahromi BR, Zamorin, V, Code C, Netti E, Laaskso A, Tulamo R, Niemelä M (2022). E-149 Contrast labeled immunoliposomes for detecting rupture prone aneurysms. Brain and Spine (2). http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/neurintsurg-2022-SNIS.260
- da Silva AG, Goulart L, Loffler P, Code C, Neves Al (2022). Development of a Molecular Aptamer Beacon Applied to Magnetic-Assisted RNA Extraction for Detection of Dengue and Zika Viruses Using Clinical Samples. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (22). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232213866
Prerequisites
One year of biology and one year of biochemistry at university level.
Additional application required
You must submit an additional application through the Online Registration portal.
All application materials must be submitted on the following dates by midnight in your time zone:
- November 1 for spring semester applicants
- May 1 for fall semester applicants
Faculty
Christian Code
FacultyScientist with 10+ years of experience in developing new biotechnology products. Developed three marketed liposomal cancer drugs. Worked with a number of biophysical tools from fluorescence to mass spectrometry. His research has namely been with lipids (lipid protein, lipid-lipid, lipid oligonucleotide, drug) interactions. Currently, he is researching aptamers as novel therapeutics.PhD. (Biophysics, Aalto University, 2013). MSc. (Biochemistry, University of Helsinki 2010). BSc. (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, 2003). : Chief Technology Officer, Dianox APS, 2018-present. With DIS since 2023.
Research Assistantship FAQ
Learn more about research at DIS.