Yamuna Krishnan
Papers
1
Total Citations
569
H-Index
1
About
Yamuna Krishnan is a pioneering chemical biologist whose work harnesses the structural and functional versatility of nucleic acids to create intelligent molecular tools for live-cell imaging and sensing. Her research lies at the intersection of nucleic acid chemistry, cell biology, and nanotechnology, where she has developed DNA-based devices that operate within living systems. Her most-cited work, "Nucleic Acid Based Molecular Devices" (2011, 569 citations), established foundational principles for using DNA and RNA as programmable components beyond their genetic roles. Krishnan is best known for inventing the first DNA-based fluorescent sensors that can map pH and chloride concentrations inside living cells and organisms, enabling real-time visualization of subcellular environments. These "DNA nanomachines" have been widely adopted, earning her over 10,000 total citations. A recipient of the Infosys Prize in Physical Sciences and a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship, Krishnan’s contributions have fundamentally expanded the toolkit of chemical biology, demonstrating that nucleic acids can serve as dynamic, biocompatible devices to interrogate complex biological processes.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Nucleic Acid Based Molecular Devices569 citations · 2011