Jonathan Sczepanski
  • Professor
  • Graduate Recruitment Coordinator
Research Areas
  • Chemical Biology
  • Organic

Research Interests

Our primary research goals are to develop and apply novel tools for studying DNA damage in the context of chromatin and to explore new avenues for RNA-based therapeutics and diagnostics. By combining expertise in chemical biology, molecular biology, and molecular evolution, our lab addresses challenges associated with studying and targeting noncoding RNAs from a unique perspective. In addition, we utilize modern chemical biology techniques to develop designer chromatin systems for studying DNA damage. We are seeking motivated individuals who wish to gain experience in chemical biology, molecular biology, and in vitro evolution techniques.

Postdoctoral position available. Please email CV, including a list of references, to Dr. Sczepanski.

Educational Background

  • B. S., 2005, University of Minnesota
  • Ph. D., 2010, Johns Hopkins University
  • NIH Postdoctoral Fellow, 2010-2015, The Scripps Research Institute

Awards & Honors

  • NIH NRSA Postdoctoral Fellow
  • CPRIT Scholar in Cancer Research

Selected Publications

  • Sczepanski, J. T.; Joyce, G.F. A Cross-Chiral RNA Polymerase Ribozyme. Nature 2014, 515, 440-442.

  • Sczepanski, J. T.; Joyce, G. F. Binding of a Structured D-RNA Molecule by an L-RNA Aptamer. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135, 13290-13293.

  • Sczepanski, J. T.; Wong, R. S.; McKnight, J. N.; Bowman, G. D.; Greenberg, M. M. Rapid DNA-Protein Cross-Linking and Strand Scission by an Abasic Site in a Nucleosome Core Particle. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 2010, 107, 22475-22480.

  • Sczepanski, J. T.; Jacobs, A.; Majumdar, A.; Greenberg, M. M. Scope and Mechanism of Interstrand Cross-Link Formation by the C4'-Oxidized Abasic Site. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 11132-11139.

  • Sczepanski, J. T.; Jacobs, A.; Greenberg, M. M. Self-Catalyzed DNA Interstrand Cross-Link Formation by an Abasic Site. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, 9646-9647.