معرفی
Peter J. Unrau is a Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Canada. His research focuses on RNA biochemistry, particularly the RNA World hypothesis and RNA catalytic activities. He leads the Unrau Lab, which investigates RNA polymerization, ribozyme evolution, and fluorogenic RNA aptamer technologies like RNA Mango for RNA detection and imaging. He holds a B.Sc. in Physics/Mathematics from McMaster University (1992) and a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from MIT (1996), transitioning to RNA research post-doctorally at the Whitehead Institute. He is a Michael Smith Foundation Senior Scholar and Faculty of 1000 member.
His lab develops tools such as fluorogenic aptamers (Mango/Bea/Peach) for live-cell RNA tracking and rapid viral detection. Notable achievements include isolating the first RNA nucleotide synthase ribozyme and advancing processive RNA polymerization systems. He teaches graduate courses in MBB (e.g., MBB 806, MBB 803) and contributes to SFU’s research infrastructure, including facilities like the Tissue Culture Facility and Microscopy Lab. His work bridges biochemistry, molecular biology, and biotechnology with implications for diagnostics and understanding life’s origins.
