The Group

Our Mission
Through the chemical synthesis and biophysical
evaluation of structure-selective DNA ligands we strive for three
primary aims:
1. Develop new tools for expanding our current understanding of DNA.
2. Provide important new leads for anti-cancer agents.
3. Create an environment where innovation and education flourish.
Our Approach
We use rational design and synthetic organic chemistry to create compounds with interesting physical properties including fluorescence emission, structure-selective DNA binding, and anti-cancer activity. Our current emphasis is on the development of small molecules that bind to and stabilize non-duplex structures like G-quadruplex and i-motif DNA. We are also developing new photophysical and photochemical methods to probe DNA folding and to synthesize well-defined DNA-DNA interstrand cross links.
Where to Find Us
We located on the Irchel-Campus of the University, see: map.search.ch. The Campus is easily reached by public transportation. Take tram 7,9,10,14 or bus 69,72 to either the Irchel or Milchbuck stop. Travel plans and time tables for these trams and buses are available at: Verkehrsbetriebe Zurich.
Once you are here, you can identify our buildings on the campus-map. We are in buildings 32 and 11. Nathan Luedtke's office is in 11-G-15 (building 11, floor G, room 15). The main laboratory is 32-G-68 (building 32, floor G, room 68).

How to Contact Us
By post:
- University of Zurich
- Winterthurerstrasse 190
- CH-8057 Zurich
By phone or email:
- Proceed to our people page for the phone numbers and email addresses of individual group members.
By Fax:
+41 44 635 68 91