Aaron R. Robart, PhD

Research Interests

The Robart Lab is focused on unraveling the intricate relationship between nucleic acid structure and enzymatic activity. Currently the lab is utilizing X-ray crystallography, SAXS, and cryo-EM structural methods to delve into this complex interplay. Additionally, in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry, we are developing nucleic acid specific mass-spectrometry applications. Our research is centered around two model systems: 1) Group II introns, serving as minimal machines to scrutinize the details of RNA splicing and unravel the mechanisms governing genome modification through retro-element transposition; and 2) Catalytic DNA molecules, or DNAzymes, distinguished by their remarkable specificity and efficiency in cleaving RNA substrates. Through this two-pronged research approach, the Robart Lab is poised to advance our understanding of how nucleic acid structure promotes function, enhance the activity and specificity of these processes, with a dedicated focus on translating these insights into therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Publications

Cramer ER, Starcovic SA, Avey RM, Kaya AI, Robart AR. (2023) "Structure of a 10-23 deoxyribozyme exhibiting a homodimer conformation." Communications Chemistry

Newton E, Starcovic SA, Menze M, Konkle ME, Long TE, Hazlehurst LA, Huber JD, Robart AR, Geldenhuys WJ. (2023) "Development of a fluorescence screening assay for binding partners of the iron-sulfur mitochondrial protein mitoNEET." Bioorg Med Chem Lett.

Jackson RW, Smathers CM, Robart AR (2023) "General Strategies for RNA X-ray Crystallography." Molecules

Smathers CM and Robart AR. (2020) "Transitions Between the Steps of Forward and Reverse Splicing of Group IIC Introns." RNA. 26(5).

Smathers CM and Robart AR (2019) "The Mechanism of Splicing as Told by Group II Introns: Ancestors of the Spliceosome." BBA gene regul mech. 1862(11).

Geldenhuys WJ, Long TE, Saralkar P, Iwasaki T, Nuñez RAA, Nair RR, Konkle ME, Menze MA, Pinti MV, Hollander JM, Hazlehurst LA, and Robart AR. (2019). "Crystal structure of the mitochondrial protein mitoNEET bound to a benze-sulfonide ligand." Nature Communications Chemistry.

Chan RT, Peters JK, Robart AR, Wiryaman T, Rajashankar KR, Toor N (2018) "Structural basis for the second step of group II intron splicing." Nature Communications. 9(1).

Robart AR, Chan RT, Peters JK, Kanagalaghatta R, Toor N. (2014) "Crystal structure of a eukaryotic group II intron lariat". Nature. 514(7521):193-7.

Chan RT, Robart AR, Kanagalaghatta R, Pyle AM, Toor N. (2012) "Crystal Structure of a Group II Intron in the Pre-Catalytic State." Nature Structural and Molecular Biology. 19(5):555-7.

Robart AR and Collins K (2011) "Human telomerase domain interactions capture DNA for TEN domain-dependent processive elongation." Molecular Cell. 42:308-18.

Robart AR and Collins K (2010) "Investigation of Human Telomerase Holoenzyme Assembly, Activity, and Processivity Using Disease-Linked Subunit Variants." J Biol Chem. 285(7).

Robart AR and Collins K (2010) "Ciliate Telomerase RNA Loop IV Nucleotides Promote Hierarchical RNP Assembly and Holoenzyme Stability." RNA. 16(3)