Research

We investigate the mechanics of DNA based motor proteins, DNA binding proteins, and their substrates during fundamental processes. The action of molecular motors on DNA is inherently mechanical in nature. How they navigate DNA, how they collide and recover with DNA binding proteins, and how they restructure and reconfigure DNA topology all involve the generation of forces and torques that are critical for their function. We develop real‐time, often one of a kind, techniques that allow us to mechanically control, alter, and measure DNA topology and combine these with in vivo studies and computer simulations and modeling to decipher the mechanical properties and complex actions of biological molecules.

DNA Topology and Molecular Mechanics of Fundamental Processes

RoadblocksDNA motor proteins resolve frequent encounters with DNA binding proteins and complexes that can interfere, stall, or collapse essential processes

Motor Protein Collisions and NavigationMotor proteins stall at roadblocks and must resolve these conflicts on their own or with the help of other proteins.

DNA Torque and Topology during TranscriptionTranscription generates torsion, which results in widespread topological restructuring of DNA that can significantly facilitate or inhibit gene expression.

DNA Torque and Topology during ReplicationReplication creates a complex topological landscape that must be deftly managed to result in the successful synthesis of newly replicated daughter strands.

Technology Development

Our lab has a long history of pioneering technologies that mimic DNA‐based biological processes and our innovations are a major driving force for novel discoveries.

DNA UnzippingWe have pioneered three techniques to study protein-DNA interactions based on DNA unzipping where the two strands of a single molecule of double-stranded DNA are mechanically separated into two single strands. They are unzipping mapper, unzipping tracker, and unzipping staller.

Angular Optical TrappingThe Wang lab built the world’s first angular optical trap, enabling us to simultaneously measure and control torque in biological systems. We are illuminating the important role torque plays in regulating the actions of proteins that translocate along DNA’s helical groove.

NanophotonicsThe Wang lab has also developed nanophotonic on-chip trapping devices with high stability and high throughput. These devices complement our traditional optical trapping setups and are intended to greatly increase productivity and make optical trapping techniques available to a broader community.