Prof Zoë Waller - Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Chemistry Biology Interface Mid-Career Prize' winner

DNA is often assumed to be a double helix, the "twisted ladder" structure first proposed by Watson and Crick in 1953. However, DNA can adopt different structures, and these can be used as switches to control how it works. DNA sequences that contain lots of cytosine can form i-motifs: alternative secondary structures which are a very tightly packed "knot" of four strands of DNA. These structures have been used as pH-dependent switches in nanotechnology but are also widespread throughout the human genome, exist in cells and have been shown to play a role in gene expression.

Zoë’s collaborative team have revealed numerous different conditions where i-motif DNA structures can be stabilised, destabilised and targeted with ligands. This work has enabled the creation of new nanodevices, the study of the effects of i-motifs in biology, and the understanding of how these DNA structures can affect disease.

Zoë says “it is an absolute delight for the team’s work to be recognised. Science is a collaborative endeavour, and this prize reflects both the work of the group and also the support of colleagues, collaborators, mentors and funders along the way. I was especially pleased to find out that my primary mentor, and PhD supervisor, Professor Sir Shankar Balasubramanian, was also awarded the Chemistry Biology Interface Khorana Prize. It is a great honour to be next to Sir Shankar on the RSC website. I owe a lot of what I am and what I have achieved to Shankar and he continues to be a massive inspiration to me.”

Zoё’s individual and team work has been recognised throughout her career, including a RSC Horizon Education Prize and the 2024 RSC Chemical Biology and Bioorganic Group Lectureship. Zoё is a Fellow of the RSC and the chair of the RSC Degree Accreditation Committee.

• Zoë Waller Profile | University College London
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