My lab focuses on RNA, which performs a plethora of different functions in the cell by folding into specific structures and interconverting between different structures. We use a variety of biophysical techniques to probe the structures and dynamics of systems ranging from isolated RNAs to large RNA-protein complexes. We have been using circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy to probe the folding of RNA that has been labeled with fluorescent analogues of the native bases A, C, G and U. We are constructing a single-molecule fluorescence microscope and a femtosecond fluorescence lifetime instrument, which will allow us to investigate structural heterogeneity in dynamic RNA systems. We also take advantage of the inherent folding ability of RNA to make nanostructures that position chromophores in specific locations, allowing us to characterize the optical properties that arise from specific chromophore arrangements.

Please visit my lab's website for more information:

https://blogs.uoregon.edu/widomlab/