Jacqueline K. Barton

Professor Barton has pioneered the application of transition metal complexes as tools to probe recognition and reactions of double helical DNA. She has designed octahedral metal complexes which recognize nucleic acid sites with affinities and specificities rivaling DNA-binding proteins. These metal complexes have been useful in elucidating chemical principles which govern the recognition of nucleic acids, and as a foundation for the design of novel chemotherapeutics and biosensors. With these probes, she has also carried out seminal studies to elucidate electron transfer chemistry mediated by the DNA double helix. This work may be critical to understanding the chemical consequences of radical damage to DNA within the cell.