Research

Diagram of the lab's design workflow: sequence design, multivalent motif, programmed interactions, and growth
The Dynamic Nucleic Acid Systems Lab designs DNA and RNA motifs that sense, compute, and self-assemble — building dynamic, life-like materials and synthetic cells from the bottom up. Our current work is organized around three connected thrusts.

Programmable RNA and DNA condensates

Biomolecular condensates — membraneless compartments that form and dissolve spontaneously — let cells organize their interior in space and time. We design synthetic condensates from modular DNA and RNA motifs, programming their formation, internal organization, and dissolution through sequence design and chemical reactions. These condensates are the building blocks for synthetic cells and cell-mimetic materials with tunable, reconfigurable architecture.

We also program what these compartments do. Using aptamers and strand-displacement reactions, our "host" condensates concentrate proteins and nucleic acids on demand, release cargo in response to molecular signals, and report on their environment — turning passive droplets into active tools for separation, delivery, and detection.

Representative work: Modular RNA motifs for orthogonal compartments (2024); Internal phase separation in synthetic DNA condensates (2025); Protein recruitment to DNA-RNA host condensates (2024); Molecular recruitment and release using DNA host condensates (2026).

Fluorescence image of DNA nanostructures and condensates assembled inside microscale droplets
Nucleic-acid condensates and nanostructures assembled inside cell-sized droplets.

Synthetic organelles in living cells

We are bringing condensate engineering into living systems, building RNA-based organelles that assemble inside mammalian and bacterial cells. By encoding condensate formation directly in transcribed RNA, we create addressable compartments that localize to specific regions of the cell and recruit molecules of interest — opening applications in gene regulation, bioproduction, imaging, and cellular monitoring.

Representative work: Programmable artificial RNA condensates in mammalian cells (2026); Co-transcriptional RNA condensates and synthetic organelles (2024); Aptamer burden biosensor in E. coli (2025).

Confocal image of green and magenta synthetic RNA condensates inside living cells
Synthetic RNA condensates (green, magenta) forming inside living mammalian cells.

Dynamics, self-assembly, and theory of molecular systems

Underpinning all of the above is our work on how molecular systems change over time. We build stimulus-responsive self-assembling structures — nanotubes and force-generating, cytoskeleton-like networks — and molecular circuits that behave as clocks, switches, pulse generators, and closed-loop controllers. Alongside the experiments, we develop mathematical theory for reaction-coupled phase separation, which can produce sustained, complex, even chaotic droplet dynamics.

Representative work: Light-modulated self-assembly of nanotubes (2025); Generating forces in confinement (2025); Complex dynamics in reaction-phase separation (2025).

Persistent, complex droplet dynamics from a reaction–phase-separation model.
Interested in joining? We are always looking for motivated students with a background in engineering, biology, biochemistry, or chemistry — see the People page for current members and how to get in touch.

Current funding

Past funding

NIGMS National Science Foundation Department of Energy Sloan Foundation University of California