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The research that I am pursuing at John Carroll University is a continuation of my previous research interests. Previously published stuff can be found in my CV (some references have links to .pdf formatted copies) and my research genealogy. Below is a broadbrush description of the current projects that I and my students are working on. Click here for a list of students, past and present.
My research can be classified broadly in two major areas of interest.
Protein-nucleic acid interactions. A major force governing these interactions is the redistribution of small molecules that accompanies the macromolecular binding. These "Lilliputian" effects can be quite significant, and are one of my current interests. These studies involve equilibrium binding studies and structural studies of peptide- or protein-RNA or -DNA interactions. The proteins under study include the interaction of the Iron Responsive Proteins (see below) with RNA, as well as that of Superoxide Dismutase with DNA. We currently use techniques like fluorescence spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, nitrocellulose filter binding assays and electromobility shift assays.
Gene expression (particularly translational regulation). Expression of proteins can be regulated at several points. Most commonly, transcription and translation are regulated. However, due to the relative ease of working with DNA versus RNA, most research has been directed at transcriptional controls. In our search to understand the translational regulation of mRNA into protein, I and colleagues in Bob Thach's lab created some in vitro and in vivo systems. These were designed to understand how the translation of the ferritin gene is regulated. The importance of this gene to cells is that the gene product stores iron; protecting it from reaction with common oxygen intermediates that could lead to formation of oxygen radicals. The key link in this regulation is the reversible binding of the Iron Responsive Proteins to the Iron Responsive Element found within the mRNA of ferritin as well as several other mRNAs. The experiments involved with this line of inquiry are recombinant DNA manipulations, cell culture, and influence of media constituents on gene expression.
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Last updated on January 30, 2007.
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