Professor Mike Hannon

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Mike's research lies at the interface between chemistry and the life sciences and is focused on metal complexes in biology and medicine as both imaging agents and therapeutics. He has expertise in synthetic chemistry (organic, supramolecular, nanoscale) and in applying biophysical methods to recognition of different DNA structures. In particular his work on the non-covalent recognition of DNA Y-shaped junctions has transformed the field of study and prompted a sudden and growing international activity in exploring the use of metallo-supramolecular structures in DNA recognition and as anti-cancer drugs.

Scientific Inspiration

Professor Jean-Marie Lehn (Nobel laureate) from Strasbourg because he combines vision and foresight with excellence science.

Research Groups

Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS)

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Collaborative; close-contact and guidance; career-development.

Provision of Training

I will work with you to define your training plan at each stage of your project, and identify the key techniques you need to become skilled in with support from experienced researchers in my team or our collaborating teams to gain those hands-on technical skills. As you progress I expect you to become confident to suggest new methods and approaches and to network effectively with other research groups across different disciplines to achieve your project goals.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will expect to see your results on a weekly basis, and will hold formalised monthly project review meetings. But I like to be kept up to date, with day-to-day updates when you have exciting results or need help troubleshooting.

Communication

In my group we use a combination of verbal face-to-face or zoom discussions (individual and group) and on-line group chat discussions to discuss and share results and ideas.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per month

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per month

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per month

These meetings will mainly be face to face, and I am usually contactable for an instant response (if required) on every working day.

Working Pattern

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Changing the Dynamics and Structures of key viral RNA structures using nano-size supramolecular drugs

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Changing the Dynamics and Structures of key viral RNA structures using nano-size supramolecular drugs

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Zania Stamataki

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Microbiology, Structural Biology)

Project Outline

RNA structure targeting is a new frontier for molecular design. It offers unique opportunities to gain new understanding of the function of RNAs. Functional RNA structures in untranslated regions (UTRs) of many viruses are intriguing targets. UTRs have functionally essential structural elements that are conserved as the virus evolves genetically. Structure-affecting mutations inactivate the virus. In RNA viruses, such as HIVs, coronaviruses, dengue and zika, functional involvement of the UTR has been shown in initiation of replication (e.g. by recruiting proteins or interaction with the ribosome) or regulation of the replication cycle.

Metallo-supramolecular helicates are unique nano-drugs that bind DNA and RNA cavities - different sizes/shapes target 3-way junctions, 4-way junctions or various bulges [1-2]. The helicates can bind UTR structures in RNA of both HIV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses and prevent their replication in cells [3-5].

This project combines molecular design, biophysics and in-cell study of RNA structures and molecular dynamics simulations to get unique insight into the binding events, their structural effects and effects on RNA dynamics. Biophysical studies will include gel studies, competition assays and RNA SHAPE assessment of binding on viral UTRs. Chemical synthesis and design will be used to prepare the new binding agents.

The approach and understanding developed will create a new roadmap for design of drugs to target RNA structural motifs across biology.

[1] Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2025, e202504866 doi.org/10.1002/anie.202504866; J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2023, 145, 13570. DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.04.522759; 2025 doi.org/10.1101/2025.08.21.671622; 2025, doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.06.663355

[2] Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2025, e202503683 doi.org/10.1002/anie.202503683

[3] Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2021, 60, 18144-51 doi:10.1002/anie.202104179

[4] Chem. Sci., 2021, 12, 7174-84 doi:10.1039/D1SC00933H

[5] Scientific Reports, 2018, 8, 13342 DOI:10.1038/s41598-018-31513-3

New bioinorganic tools to explore the roles of DNA junction structures in biology

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

New bioinorganic tools to explore the roles of DNA junction structures in biology

Secondary Supervisor(s): Professor Aga Gambus, Dr Nik Hodges

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Structural Biology)

Project Outline

While DNA rests in cells as a duplex, when in action it forms other structures notably forks and junctions. We will explore the biological effects of new nano-agents that bind DNA junctions to better understand and probe their biological role. The agents are the first to bind in the heart of these 3-way and 4-way junctions [1] and we will create designs in which the binding is switched on (in cellulo) by a stimulus - this will afford a unique approach to the study of these bio-structures. We will design the new switchable binders and study their binding using a range of biophysical techniques (gels, spectroscopies, microscopies, microscale thermophoresis) combined with molecular dynamics simulations. We will then test the impact and mode/mechanism of action during DNA replication using a cell free Xenopus egg extract system, and then explore the effects on DNA repair processes too, and then correlate this with their effects in cells.