Dr Mateus Webba Da Silva

Overview

Dr Mateus Webba da Silva earned his PhD in Chemistry from Exeter University. His academic journey includes positions as a Research Fellow at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden, and as a Senior Research Associate at both Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Duke University in the USA. In 2005, he joined Ulster University as a Lecturer, and currently holds the position of Reader in Pharmaceutical Chemistry. His research interests bridge fundamental science and its applications.

Research interests

Our laboratory's primary research focus is to decipher the principles governing the self-assembly of nucleic acids, specifically G-quadruplexes. Unlike protein self-assembly, G-quadruplex formation typically follows multiple pathways. We are investigating how various structural parameters interrelate and influence this self-assembly process. Our studies include atomic-level structure determination of G-quadruplexes through restrained molecular dynamics simulations, with restraints derived from Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) experiments. We also assess the kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of self-assembly using Circular Dichroism (CD) and molecular dynamics simulations. These investigations are supported by advancements in biophysical techniques and the integration of machine learning approaches.

We leverage the insights gained from our fundamental studies to design innovative molecular and material entities. By applying cutting-edge chemical principles at the molecular level, we generate new molecules and molecular assemblies that offer distinctive biological, mechanical, sensory, electronic, and optical functionalities. Our research is currently focused on two key areas.

Four-stranded nucleic acid structures, known as G-quadruplexes, are emerging as a novel class of therapeutics. These structures offer specific recognition akin to protein-based monoclonal antibodies, with no known side effects. Our laboratory has developed understanding on precise control over the self-assembly of these G-quadruplexes and is currently interested in investigating their therapeutic potential as drugs, drug delivery systems, and sensors.

Quantum confinement in four-stranded DNA wires has revealed unique and unexpected properties. These nanowires, due to their dense electronic states, are among the smallest structures capable of efficiently transporting optoelectronic properties, making them highly promising for applications in nano(opto)electronics. In our laboratory, we are interested in developing methods for the controlled self-assembly of G-quadruplex wires for exciting in vivo applications.

Funding

• Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
• Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
• The Royal Society (London)
• The British Council