Yolanda Fortenberry

Yolanda Fortenberry serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Case Western Reserve University, where her research centers on molecular protein mechanisms and their critical roles in human disease pathology, particularly blood coagulation disorders and cancer progression.

Her interdisciplinary work integrates biological, chemical, and biochemical methodologies to investigate protein function at the molecular level. A primary focus involves developing RNA aptamers—single-stranded nucleic acids that bind target proteins with high specificity—as therapeutic agents for blood-related diseases including sickle cell disease. These molecules offer significant clinical advantages such as non-immunogenicity, plasma stability through 2'fluropyrimidine synthesis, and extended half-life via polyethylene glycol conjugation.

Dr. Fortenberry's research demonstrates how RNA aptamers induce conformational changes in target proteins to disrupt pathological functions, positioning them as viable alternatives to monoclonal antibodies in therapeutic applications. Her work extends beyond hematology to explore applications in bio-imaging, parasitic biology, and anti-venom development.

She leads an active research laboratory that bridges fundamental protein science with translational medicine, currently advancing RNA aptamer technology for treating coagulation disorders and oncological conditions through innovative molecular engineering approaches.