Julián Valero is passionate about nucleic acids (DNA, RNA and XNA). His research group focuses on a unique angle that combines cutting edge nanotechnology tools, nucleic acid chemistry and in vitro evolution techniques to develop novel nucleic acid systems that display a wide variety of functionalities. In particular, they employ new chemistries that enable them to expand the genetic lexicon and chemical space compared to Nature´s toolbox. With this in hand, the group can design synthetic biology systems that can establish novel interactions, molecular dynamics, communications and synapses, and use them for studying biologically relevant processes or for therapeutic targeting.