Marcel Hollenstein

Marcel Hollenstein is a permanent researcher and group leader of the Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids group at the Institut Pasteur in Paris, affiliated with the Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry. He leads multiple research projects focused on expanding the functional capabilities of nucleic acids through chemical modifications, with applications in diagnostics, therapeutics, and synthetic biology.

• University: Institut Pasteur
• School: Department of Structural Biology and Chemistry
• Department: Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids
• Academic Rank: Researcher

His research centers on the design and synthesis of chemically modified nucleoside triphosphates and their use in in vitro selection methods (e.g., SELEX) to generate functional nucleic acids such as aptamers and DNAzymes. These engineered molecules are tailored for enhanced stability, binding specificity, and catalytic activity, with applications in cancer detection, medical imaging, and photodynamic therapy. His lab also develops innovative chemoenzymatic methods, such as template-dependent DNA ligation, to overcome limitations in traditional oligonucleotide synthesis.

The most recent publications highlight a strong trend toward enzymatic and sustainable synthesis of modified oligonucleotides, with increasing focus on therapeutic applications, biocatalysis, and the expansion of chemical diversity in nucleic acid libraries. His work bridges organic chemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology, contributing to both fundamental science and translational research.

Scientific Awards: No awards mentioned in the provided text.

Marcel Hollenstein supervises a multidisciplinary team of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering research in nucleic acid engineering and synthetic biology. He has secured funding for projects such as the expansion of the genetic alphabet with metal base pairs and the development of therapeutic tools based on nucleic acids. His lab is equipped with advanced instrumentation including NMR, HPLC, DNA synthesizers, and bioanalyzers, enabling comprehensive chemical and biochemical analysis.

Laboratories and Teams: The Bioorganic Chemistry of Nucleic Acids group at Institut Pasteur includes researchers such as Nazarii Sabat, Pierre Nicolas Bizat, Alix Bouvier-Müller, and Fabienne Levi-Acobas, working collaboratively on projects involving modified nucleotides, enzymatic synthesis, and therapeutic applications.