Chemistry and biology of nucleic acids. Our research aims at a comprehensive molecular understanding of important biological processes of nucleic acids, such as ribosomal translation and gene regulation by riboswitches. The Micura group has a strong focus on the chemical synthesis of ribonucleic acids (RNA) and on nucleic acid structure and function evaluation. In particular, the various aspects of chemically modified RNA - including naturally occuring as well as artificial modifications - are in the center of our research interests.