Functional Engineering of Oligonucleotides
Group of Ondřej Kostov
We transform nucleic acids into precision-guided therapeutic tools
Our laboratory focuses on the development and engineering of therapeutic oligonucleotides with the aim of precisely controlling gene expression and expanding the possibilities of modern molecular medicine.
Oligonucleotide drugs represent a rapidly developing class of therapeutics that can target the very essence of genetic diseases. However, their wider use is still limited by insufficient stability, inefficient distribution in the body, and limited intracellular delivery.
Our goal is to overcome these barriers through rational design of modified oligonucleotides. We focus on their chemical modifications that increase stability, promote cellular uptake, and enable efficient release at the site of action.
We are also developing new approaches to targeted delivery, including the use of bioactive motifs and glycosylation. Inspired by the recent discovery of glycoRNA, which suggests the untapped potential of nucleic acids in intercellular communication and stability in biological environments.
Our long-term goal is to contribute to the development of a new generation of oligonucleotide drugs that will be more effective, safer, and more accessible for clinical use.