MCW Biochemistry Research Page

Listed by Person

Dr Nancy Dahms - Our research investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying the functioning of mannose-6-phosphate receptors in mammalian cells. We currently have three main research projects in the lab: 'Structural analysis of the Ligand binding sites of Mannose-6-Phosphate Receptors', 'Structural requirements for lysosomal enzyme targeting', and 'Analysis of the Intracellular Trafficking and Polarized Cell Surface Distribution of the Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptors in Polarized Epithelial Cells'.
[more about Dr Dahms's research]

Dr Albert Girotti - Our primary line of work deals with how photodynamic action affects the structure and function of biological membranes. Our current work focuses on (a) characterization of primary photochemistry in MC540/light-treated leukemia cells, (b) identification of vital targets and (c) elucidation of cytoprotection/repair processes which contribute to photoresistance.
[more about Dr Girotti's research]

Dr Owen Griffith - Glutathione, the main non-protein thiol in cells plays a key role in defense against free radicals , peroxides and electrophiles. One of our main areas of research is the study of glutathione metabolism and the possible therapeutic uses of inhibitors of glutathione synthesis. In separate studies we are examining the enzymology, physiology and pharmacology of Nitric Oxide (NO). Most recently we have estabilshed that NO and its products have a direct inhibitory effect on glutathione biosynthesis.
[more about Dr Griffith's research]

Dr Vaughn Jackson - The interest of our laboratory is to understand the biochemical mechanisms which regulate histone-DNA interactions during replication and transcription. These mechanisms are responsible for the gene regulation which requires accessibility of the DNA to both transcription factors and polymerases. Both in vivo and in vitro approaches are used to study these mechanisms.
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Dr Jung-Ja Kim - Our research interest is to study the structure-function relationship of biologically interesting molecules by using X-ray diffraction methods, one of the most powerful techniques to date to study macromolecular structure. Currently our studies are focused on two main projects: 1) Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenases and Related Enzymes and 2) NADPH-Cytochrome P450 Reductase.
[more about Dr Kim's research]

Dr Ravi Misra - My major research interest is to understand the biochemical mechanisms by which environmental signals effect new gene expression. Our current work concerns understanding the mechanism by which the Serum Response Factor (SRF) mediates gene expression, and also the mechanisms controling the expression of the SRF gene itself.
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Dr Henry Miziorko - Our research group uses chemical, biophysical, and molecular biology approaches to elucidate the structure/function relationships that account for enzyme regulation or catalysis. Currently under investigation are several enzymes important to lipid or carbohydrate metabolism including: HMG-CoA synthase, HMG-CoA lyase, phosphoribulokinase, and mevalonate kinase.
[more about Dr Miziorko's research]

Dr Rick Sabina - AMP deaminase, which catalyzes the irreversible deamination of AMP to IMP and ammonia, represents an important regulatory step in the control of intracellular ATP levels. Multiple AMPD isoforms are expressed in mammalian tissues and each exhibits a unique kinetic and regulatory profile and developmental pattern of expression. Currently, we are combining biochemical, molecular, and cellular approaches to define the functional significance of N-terminal domain macro- and microdivergence among the protein products of the AMPD genes.
[more about Dr Sabina's research]

Dr Sally Twining - The focus of our research is the study of the proteinases that degrade the cornea and the inhibitors that control these molecules. The cornea is a unique tissue for two reasons: the function of the cornea depends upon transparency of the tissue, and the cornea synthesizes most of its proteins because the cornea is an avascular tissue. Control of the synthesis of proteinase and proteinase inhibitors is therefore critical in the function of the cornea.
[more about Dr Twining's research]

Dr Brian Volkman - I want to relate the structural and dynamic properties of proteins to their biological functions. We use NMR spectroscopy as our primary tool, because it provides an excellent means for studying protein structure and the detailed dynamics of biomolecules in action.
[more about Dr Volkman's research]

Last modified on: Monday, 02-Aug-2004 12:52:06 CDT