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Complete Faculty Directory:

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Abbott     Ursula     Position:  Professor Emeritus     Phone:  5307527325     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Science
Principal Organism:    
Bird, Chicken
Research Interests:    
Developmental genetics; embryology and teratology.
Research Description:    
To apply molecular methods to developmental studies of avian pattern mutants to increase our knowledge of the biochemical basis of vertebrate morphological development.
Grants:    
NSF;CO-PI:(Conservation of Genetic Resources)
Applications:    
Studies of inherited genetic conditions affecting patterns; transfer of potentially important genes from avian line of avian formation during embryonic development

 
Adams     T. E.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307521266     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Science
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Research Description:    
At the applied level, we are seeking to establish active immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) as a non-invasive alternative to physical castration in management of domestic and companion animals. In addition, we have recently developed a melatonin-containing implant that we feel may be useful in promoting out-of-season breeding in sheep. At a more basic level, we are using active or passive immunization against GnRH as a research tool to identify the sites and mechanisms by which gonadal steroids modulate gonadotrope responsiveness. Our emphasis in these studies has been examination of the endocrine control of GnRH receptor gene expression. Another component of our research seeks to determine the physiological basis for genetic difference in ovulation rate. The research models used in these studies are Finnish Landrace and Rambouillet sheep, two ovine breeds that differ markedly in native prolificacy. Lastly, the recent work of post-doctoral fellows and doctoral students in our laboratory has focused on characterization of the mechanisms by which photoperiod, nutritional stress, and bacterial infection impinge on reproductive processes.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Anderson     Gary B.     Position:  Professor & Chair     Phone:  5307521252     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Science
Principal Organism:    
cattle, goat, pigs
Research Interests:    
Mammalian embryo development, in vitro manipulation of the embryo, reproductive, embryonic stem cells
Research Description:    
Research is aimed at genetic manipulation of animals by combining embryonic cells or integrating foreign DNA. Ongoing research includes production and characterization of transgenic animals carrying genes that influence milk composition. Graduate student, postdoctoral and staff researchers in the lab use procedures that range from the molecular to the organismal level, including transfer of in vitro-derived, microinjected bovine embryos to the reproductive tracts of recipient females for development to term. Other research includes experiments designed to test approaches to isolation of embryonic stem cells from bovine and porcine embryos. Current studies include testing the effects of various growth factors on in vitro survival and proliferation of cultured primordial germ cells from the two species.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Preservation of endangered species genetic improvement in livestock; transgenic animals; xenografts

 
Armstrong     Peter     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307521565     E-mail
Department:    
Mol & Cell Biology
Principal Organism:    
Horseshoe crab (Limulus)
Research Interests:    
Characterization of the protein effectors of immunity in long-lived arthropods. Response of the fetal myocardium to peptide growth factors
Research Description:    
The Armstrong laboratory investigates two areas of potential applied interest, (1) the regulation of cell proliferation and tissue morphogenesis by peptide growth factors and (2) identification and characterization of immune effector proteins in long-lived arthropods. (1) Regulation of cell proliferation and tissue morphogenesis: Here, we use a novel 3-dimensional organ culture system for embryonic mesenchymal tissue that I believe is a more realistic model for the condition of mesenchymal tissues in situ than is conventional monolayer cell culture. The principal lesson that has emerged from these studies is that the stimulation of cell proliferation and the regulation of tissue organization mitogens is dependent on their stimulation of the production of a fibronectin-containing extracellular matrix. In this culture system, all factors that show growth factor activity are potent stimulators of fibronectin matrix production. Agents that interfere with fibronectin accumulation block the mitogenic activities of the growth factors and isolated matrix fibronectin is mitogenic in this system. (2) I have investigated two immune effector proteins from the plasma of the horseshoe crab, Limulus, a2-macroglobulin and limulin. Limulin is a sialic acid-binding lectin that is responsible for cytolysis of foreign cells. a2-Macroglobulin is responsible for clearance of proteases from the tissue fluids and also acts to potentiate the cytolytic action of limulin. It is anticipated that an improved understanding of the immune systems of arthropods will aid in the development of rational strategies for veterinary medicine for aquacultured arthropods and will result in improvements in the use of microbes as biological control agents for insects and mites that are agricultural pests or disease vectors.
Grants:    
NSF:MCB97-26771
Applications:    
Veterinary care of azuacultured arthropods, Biological control of pestiferous arthropods, Regeneration of heart muscle.

 
Balaban     Naomi     Position:  Asst Adjunct Professor     Phone:  9167343218     E-mail
Department:    
Med: Pathology
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Regulation of bacterial pathogenesis
Research Description:    
N/A
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Bandman     Everett     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307522490     E-mail
Department:    
Food Science & Tech
Principal Organism:    
Chicken
Research Interests:    
Gene Expression (Animal); Developmental Biology (Animal, Myogenesis); Stress (Animal, Disease Processes/Protection); Structure/Function Relationships (Animal)
Research Description:    
Sarcomeric myosin heavy chains (MyHCs) are encoded by differentially regulated multigene families. In recent studies we have shown that the avian and mammalian MyHC families have diverged sufficiently that the complexity, organization, and the regulation of the chicken fast MyHC family is distinct from that of mammalian families that have been studied. The focus of our studies is twofold. First we will further characterize the chicken MyHC gene family. These studies include identification and genomic organization of MyHC genes and linkage groups using flourescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and pulsed-field electrophoresis. Related studies include characterization of 5'-regulatory sequences and DNA binding proteins that determine the differential expression of these genes during muscle fiber differentiation and growth. the second focus of our studies is to determine the functional significance of MyHC diversity. In these studies site-directed mutagenesis and bacterial and eukaryotic expression systems are being used to identify protein sequences that are responsible for isoform specific properties of the chicken MyHC proteins.
Grants:    
NIH, USDA
Applications:    
Analysis of Structure (DNA); Healthcare/Medical Technologies (Veterinary, Diagnostics, Monoclonal Antibody Technology); Production Efficiency Technologies (Animal)

 
Barkley     Marylynn S.     Position:  Associate Professor     Phone:  5307526029     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Physiology
Principal Organism:    
mouse, rat
Research Interests:    
Hormonal Regulation of Pregnancy; Genetic Conrtol of ENdoctrine Function; Behavioral Endocrinology.
Research Description:    
The overall objective is to learn as much as possible about the endocrine regulation of mammalian pregnancy, particularly during the period of transition from pituitary to placental control of ovarian function. Our current work is designed to define the rate limiting factors controlling maternal ovarian and fetal-placental steriod production, and to determine molecular markers for genes that regulate gestational steroidogenesis which can be used to identify and select for genes controlling embro survival. In related studies, we are investigating the genetic basis for differences in reproductive performance and endocrine function.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Determination of molecular markers for genes controlling steriod production which can be used to modify reproductive performance of animal species

 
Barthold     Steve     Position:  Director     Phone:  5307527913     E-mail
Department:    
Center for Comparative Medicine
Principal Organism:    
Lyme disease and granulocytic ehrlichiosis
Research Interests:    
Infectious disease pathogenesis and investigation of host-agent interactions to understand mechanisms of persistent infections using animal models.
Research Description:    
Host-agent interactions during persistent infections, with emphasis on Lyme disease and granulocytic ehrlichiosis.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Baskin     Ronald     Position:  Assoc Dean, Professor     Phone:  5307521554     E-mail
Department:    
Biophysics, MCB
Principal Organism:    
Bacteria, frogs
Research Interests:    
Cell biology and biophysics of muscle; molecular mechanism of force generation by "motor" molecules.
Research Description:    
Using laser and x-ray diffraction techniques as well as monoclonal antibodies to specific molecular sites to study the molecular mechanism of muscle contration and force generation by "motor" molecules.
Grants:    
DOE Laser Trapping of Single DNA molecules
Applications:    
Cell Function

 
Beaman     Blaine L.     Position:  Professor & Chair     Phone:  5307529663     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Micro & Immun
Principal Organism:    
Nocardia, Mycobacterium,
Research Interests:    
Research Description:    
We are interested in the biochemical mechanisms of pathogenesis of Nocardia, Mycobacterium and other Actinomycetes. Specific projects include: the mechanisms of host resistance and immunity to infection by these bacteria, immunobiology and mechanisms in human mycetomas, sturcture of cell walls andsecondary metabolites in Nocardia, the ultrastructure of Nocardia as it relates to pathogenicity and infection, the biology of mycolic acids, membrance-liposome interactions, and the mechanisms of stable foams caused by Norcardia in sewage treatment plants.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Bennett     Alan B.     Position:  Executive Director, Prof     Phone:  5307521411     E-mail
Department:    
Vegetable Crops
Principal Organism:    
Tomato
Research Interests:    
Postharvest physiology; molecular biology of fruit ripening.
Research Description:    
Current research interests focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying changes in plant cell wall architecture. Plants are structurally defined by their cell wall and developmentally-related changes in cell form require disassembly and rearrangement of the cell wall polymers. Endo-b-1, 4-glucanases have been implicated in plant cell wall disassembly and we have been examining their specific role by isolating the gene family from tomato, assessing their patterns of expression and producing transgenic plants with altered gene expression in order to assess their physiological function.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Gene Manipulation (Plant); Analysis of Structure (Protein); Production Efficiency (Plant).

 
Benton     Hillary     Position:  Assistant Professor     Phone:  5307523720     E-mail
Department:    
VM: Anatomy, Phys & Cell Biology
Principal Organism:    
mammalian cell cultures
Research Interests:    
Cellular and Molecular basis of immune regulation in articular joint tissues
Research Description:    
My laboratory is investigating the mechanisms of tissue damage in articular joint tissues with the aim of inhibiting the process of articular tissue degradation and promoting repair. We are approaching these problems at the cellular level. We use differentiated primary chondrocyte and synovial cell cultures and explant cartilage cultures derived from porcine, equine and human joints. High density differentiated primary chondrocyte cultures are ideal for investigating cell surface receptors and as a source for large scale isolation of macromolecules and sub cellular preparations. explant cartilage cultures are the model of choice when examining chondrocyte regulation of physiologically-structured cartilage matrix. Known mediators of chondrocyte activity include interleukin 1, bacterial lipopolysaccharide and the retinoids. We have focused on identifying novel activators of these cells using single cell imaging of chondrocytes loaded with Fura-2, a fluorescent indicator of intracellular calcium concentration. We have identified both physiological and pharmacological regulators of calcium homeostasis in these cells, including kinins such as bradykinin, purines such as ATP and the drug, thapsigargin, which inhibits the endoplasmic reticular calcium pump. We are determining the functional roles of these agents in mediating cartilage matrix synthesis and breakdown, chondrocyte cell proliferation and cellular protein synthesis; including the synthesis of heat shock proteins, a family of proteins which may have a cytoprotective role in joint tissues. We are investigating the transmodulation of known regulators of cartilage breakdown by calcium perturbation by biochemical measures of in vitro changes in cartilage matrix production, release, degradation or processing. there are currently a number of putative lipopolysaccharide receptors on immune cells. We are using this information as a starting point to investigate potential mechanisms of endotoxin action in chondrocytes. In order to perform these projects, we are routinely running a number of laboratory techniques in the fields of matrix biochemistry, cell biology, immunology and molecular biology. Our work on several of these problems has emphasized the importance of the immune system in mediating both inflammatory and ageing arthritic diseases. We are now also directing attention to how pharmacological agents and environmental toxicants influence the maintence of healthy joint tissues.
Grants:    
NIH, ROI
Applications:    
Treatment for arthritic diseases

 
Berger     Patricia J.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307521267     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Science
Principal Organism:    
Pig, animal, mammal
Research Interests:    
Reproduction; fertilization; fertility
Research Description:    
Molecules on the sperm and egg plasma membranes interact with each other during mammalian fertilization. During fertilization, sperm bind to the zona pellucida, penetrate the zona pellucida and bind to the egg plasma membrane prior to fusion. The identities of all molecules involved in these steps, their specific functions, and their interactions are of interest. In vitro bioassays involving porcine gametes and biochemical approaches are being emphasized. Present and anticipated studies include: 1) sequence identification of the prominent sperm plasma membrane proteins with an affinity for the egg plasma membrane; 2) identity of the specific egg plasma membrane partner molecules for each of the prominent sperm molecules; 3) assessment of functional involvement of the molecules using homologous and heterologous gametes; 4) location of molecules on gametes during development, capacitation, and the acrosome reaction.
Grants:    
USDA: Fertilization in th
Applications:    
Breeding Technologies (Animal); Gene Mana\ipulation (Animal); Production Efficiency (Animal)

 
Bisson     Linda     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523835     E-mail
Department:    
Viticulture & Enology
Principal Organism:    
Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
Research Interests:    
Metabolism (Microbial); Fermentation Science (Organism Development).
Research Description:    
My laboratory is investigating the mechanisms of glucose sensing in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have identified plasma membrane sensors, encoded by the SNF3 and RGT2 genes respectively, that function to detect low and high glucose concentrations. We have gone on to show that the C-terminal domain of the low glucose sensor, Snf3p, transduces a signal to the cytoplasm that glucose is present in the environment, ultimately leading to the transcriptional depression of genes required for growth and survival on low glucose concentrations. Microarray analysis of wild type and snf3 null strains revealed that the snf3 null strain enters stationary phase prematurely and displays marked loss of viability as compared to the wild type. In contrast, the presence of Snf3p results in expression of a variety of genes involved in remodeling glucose catabolism and in preparing the cells for stationary phase. We are also investigating the physiological roles of the individual members of the hexose transporter (HXT) multigene family in Saccharomyces. There are 17 HXT genes which, with the GAL2 galactose transporter, comprise the HXT family of Saccharomyces. Only five of these transporters seem to be required for growth under laboratory conditions. We have shown that several additional HXT genes are expressed in the yeast natural environment of grape juice. Current research is focused on the analysis of glucose utilization in yeast in their natural environment in order to expand upon our knowledge of the basic biology of this important model organism.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Gene Manipulation (Microbial); Bioprocess Technology (Organism Development Microbial)

 
Bostock     Richard M.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307520308     E-mail
Department:    
Plant Pathology
Principal Organism:    
Plants; Fungi, Phytophtho
Research Interests:    
Plant Host-Pathogen Interactions; Regulation of Plant Isoprenoid Metabolism; Arachidonic Acid and Eicosanoids; Plant Stress
Research Description:    
Research interests are primarily in the area of regulation of plant metabolism associated with disease resistance and susceptibility. A principal project deals with regulation of defense signaling pathways during response to pathogen and insect attack. We also study the physiology and enzymology of fungal pathogens and their production of penetration factors during infection. As a Co-PI at CEPRAP, an NSF Science and Technology Center, we are focusing on the identification of genes induced in plants that are involved in susceptibility and programmed cell death, as well as genes and molecules that are potential targets for engineering disease resistance in plants.
Grants:    
USDA-NRICGP;NSF-CEPRAP
Applications:    
This project could identify potential targets for modification in the plant for improved resistance to pathogens.

 
Boyce     Walter M.     Position:  Assoc. Professor     Phone:  5307521401     E-mail
Department:    
VM: Micro & Immun
Principal Organism:    
parasites
Research Interests:    
Immunoparasitology; Molecular Parasitology
Research Description:    
Analysis of parasite antigens and host-parasite interactions. In vitro culture of parasites. Epidemiology of parasitic infections. We are interested in wildlife parasitology and disease ecology. The major research project involves field and laboratory investigations of interactions between the ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis and free-ranging bighorn sheep. Immunoassays are being developed for use in seroepidemiologic surveys in North America. Molecular studies are underway to determin the genetic relatedness of mites isolated from different hosts to gain an understanding of the transmission dynamics.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Development of diagnostic arrays for parasitic disease using immunology and molecular approaches.

 
Bradford     Kent J.     Position:  Director     Phone:  5307526087     E-mail
Department:    
Vegetable Crops
Principal Organism:    
tomato, lettuce, melon
Research Interests:    
Seed physiology, water relations of seed development and germination, desiccation tolerance, growth
Research Description:    
Basic aspects: regulation of seed germination by temperature, water, growth regulators; gene expression related to dormancy and germination; seed development. Seed deterioration. Applied aspects: measurement and enhancement of seed quality. Pre- and post-harvest influences on seed quality.
Grants:    
USDA NRIGCP
Applications:    
Gene regulation during development and germination; enhancement of seed quality; extension of seed longevity

 
Bruening     George     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523474     E-mail
Department:    
CEPRAP
Principal Organism:    
plants and plant viruses
Research Interests:    
Mechanisms of plant virus and satellite RNA replication; natural and engineered plant resistance against viruses, including resistance factors derived by combinatorial methods; RNA structure and function
Research Description:    
Plant genes for resistance against pathogens often provide the most economical and environmentally sound approach to controlling diseases in crop agriculture. Biochemical and genetic mechanisms of resistance are being investigated using nearly isogenic plant lines, one resistant to a specific virus and the other susceptible. Genetically engineered resistance is under study, using nucleotide sequences derived from the virus. Selection procedures also are being applied to random sequence libraries to identify members active against viruses, for use in the construction of synthetic resistance genes. Satellite RNAs and certain defective viruses act as molecular parasites of plant viruses. Some satellite RNAs replicate apparently without gene expression but with RNA cleavage and ligation reactions catalyzed by the RNA itself. The structure, function, and virus associations of satellite RNAs are investigated to understand satellite RNA replication and control over virus replication and symptom induction. Additionally, we are investigating the mechanisms of RNA-catalyzed reactions and their uses as ribozymes.
Grants:    
Biotechnology STAR
Applications:    
Genetic engineering of resistance genes, including for resistance not currently available from natural source

 
Bruhn     Christine M.     Position:  Director     Phone:  5307522774     E-mail
Department:    
Center for Consumer Research
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Research and education focused on consumer attitudes toward food safety, quality, wholesomeness, and pricing with the objective of helping the food industry better meet consumer expectations.
Research Description:    
Consumer attitudes, perceptions and acceptance of new technologies, including biotechnology.
Grants:    
Science & Society
Applications:    

 
Buckpitt     Alan     Position:  Professor & Chair     Phone:  5307527674     E-mail
Department:    
VM: Molecular Bio Sci
Principal Organism:    
Mice, Rats, Monkeys,Humans, baculovirus/SF-21
Research Interests:    
Pulmonary P 450, cell and tissue selective injury, role of reactive metabolites in cell necrosis. Metabolic Activation and Detoxification of lung toxicants
Research Description:    
Much of the work in toxicology has focused on delineating the effects of a single chemical entity often at high doses and over short time periods. However, humans are more often exposed to multiple chemicals over long time periods and at lower doses than generally used experimentally. Thus, there is a need to understand potential interactions of exposure to multiple chemical entities at both the cellular and whole organism level. The current request proposes to take advantage of recent developments in analysis of gene expression with high density microarrays to explore the use of this technology to identify alterations associated with exposure to multiple chemicals. This work will build on recent findings showing that the cytotoxicity of the metabolically activated , systemic pulmonary injurant, 1-nitronaphthalene, is considerably enhanced by preexposure to ozone. Two approaches will be utilized. Arrays of genes coding for both Phase I and Phase II metabolizing enzymes, enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of glutathione, several heat shock proteins and housekeeping genes will be prepared. mRNA isolated from control and treated (nitronaphthalene, ozone and nitronaphthalene plus ozone) rat lung will be used as a template for synthesis of cDNA labeled with fluorescent tags (CY3 (control) and CY-5(treated)) and these will be hybridized to the arrayed targets to determine whether treatments cause up or down regulation of genes likely to control the metabolic activation or detoxication of nitronaphthalene. Parallel quantitative histopathology studies will be done to confirm the severity of the pulmonary lesion in all treatment groups. In the second approach, clones from a control rat lung library will be arrayed on glass slides and screened against labeled mRNA from control (CY-3) and treated (CY-5) animals. Clones showing up or down regulation will be sequenced for indentification. These studies will test the validity of using DSA arrays to rapidly screen changes in gene expression in response to mixtures of lung toxicants. The combination of dose and time course response studies which include detailed examination of tissues by histopathology will define cellular/molecular events that occur in response to chemical exposure and are expected to explore the validity of using DNA arrays to screen potential chemical interactions. By examining library clones, these studies may identify new genes whose regulation is altered by chemical exposure.
Grants:    
NIH/NIEHS/NHLBI,Air Resources Board,R01ES 08408,ES
Applications:    
cDNA microarray, Protein mass spectometry, 2D gel electrophoresis

 
Burtis     Kenneth C.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307524188     E-mail
Department:    
Genetics & Mol & Cell Biology
Principal Organism:    
Drosophila
Research Interests:    
DNA repair in Drosophila melanogaster
Research Description:    
The primary research interest is the study of molecular mechanisms of repair of damage to DNA caused by intra-strand crosslinking agents such as cisplatin and nitrogen mustard. Genetic and molecular approaches are used to identify and characterize genes involved in this repair process, as well as other Drosophila DNA repair genes.
Grants:    
NSF
Applications:    
Studies on crosslink repair are relevant to understanding the development of resistance to chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin as well as to the human disease Fanconi anemia.

 
Callis     Judy     Position:  Associate Professor     Phone:  5307521015     E-mail
Department:    
Mol & Cell Biology
Principal Organism:    
Arabidopsis thaliana, Zea mays
Research Interests:    
Gene Expression (Plant); Stress Responses (Plant); Protein Degradation, Ubiquitin Pathway, Post-transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression.
Research Description:    
My lab studies protein degradation in yeast and higher plants. Regulating protein degradation is as important a regulatory meehanism as regulating synthesis to determine protein concentration. We are interested in identifying and understanding the regulation of the machineries responsible for the degradation of proteins and what signals on the substrate protein mediate the recognition between the protein substrate and the proteolytic machinery. We are studying one well known proteolytic pathway, the ubiquitin pathway. Ubiquitin is a highly conserved eukaryotic protein that covalently attaches to cellular proteins, which in most cases targets the protein for degradation. We have identified a target of the ubiquitin pathway in higher plants, PSIAA6, and are mapping the amino acid sequences required for degradation. PSLAA6 is a member of a conserved family of proteins whose mRNA levels are increased by application of the plant hormone auxin. We determined that the first 73 amino acids of PSIAA6 are sufficient to make a protein to which they are attached unstable in vivo. We are studying a ubiquitin-like protein, RUB1, and demonstrated its involvement in the cell cycle and auxin response. Finally, we are isolating and characterizing de-ubiquitinating enzymes (ubiquitin carboxyspecific proteases) to try and understand how these enzymes could regulate protein degradation. Together, we may be able to modify the in vivo stability of proteins, both endogenous and transgenic, to enhance crop productivity.
Grants:    
NSF, DOE
Applications:    
Increasing expression in transgenic plants, increasing stability of introduced proteins.

 
Calvert     Christopher C.     Position:  Associate Professor     Phone:  5307521269     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Science
Principal Organism:    
Cattle, mouse, rat, swine
Research Interests:    
Nutritional control of gene expression (Animal), Metabolism (Animal), Major genes impacting growth and/or lactation (Animal)
Research Description:    
Influence of protein/energy intake on gene expression. Identification of genes which impact growth and lactation. Metabolic analysis designed to probe gene product action, source of amino acids used for acylation to tRNA.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Production Efficiency Technologies (Animal)

 
Cardiff     Robert D.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307522710     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Pathology/ Center for Comparitive Medicine
Principal Organism:    
mouse, retrovirus
Research Interests:    
Oncology; oncogenic retrovirology, mouse biology, genetically engineered mice, comparative pathology, Biomedical Informatics.
Research Description:    
We are interested in the comparative pathology of the mammary and prostate glands with an emphasis on the origin and evolution of cancer in these glands . Our Transgenic Pathology Laboratory provides histopathology services and interpretations to over 200 investigators in eight countries and more than 80 laboratories (1-4). Many of our clients are from the private sector. Our Archive and Registry has over 8000 cases involving over 200 transgenes. It has 3000 mammary tumors from over 80 types of genetically engineered animals. Our laboratory provides comprehensive services including immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization (5-7). The Archive also contains pulmonary, hematopoietic, prostatic, soft tissue, and salivary tumors (8-10). Fetal development is also evaluated (11). It is one of the worldÂ’s most comprehensive collections of transgenic pathology. (http://www-mp.ucdavis.edu/tgmice/firststop.html). Our web site is a useful educational tool used by investigators around the world. We are working on the development of a Visible Mouse (http://www-mp.ucdavis.edu/tgmice/prostate/prostate1.html). 1) Our monoclonal antibodies have been patented and some are distributed by industry. Others need to be developed and marketed (12). 2) We have developed a large human tissue bank for analysis by those interested in human problems. The bank contains fresh frozen and paraffin embedded samples. A comparable sera and urine bank is also available (12). 3) The Met-1 and Db7 cell lines are licensed as are model of metastatic breast cancer (5).
Grants:    
One State RO1, One NCI RO1, Co-Pl
Applications:    
1) Our monoclonal antibodies have been patented and some are distributed by industry. Others need to be developed and marketed. 2) We have developed a large human tissue bank for analysis by those interested in human problems. The bank contains fresh f

 
Chang     Ernest S.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  7078752061     E-mail
Department:    
AS; NPB; Bodega Marine Lab
Principal Organism:    
crustaceans, arthropods,
Research Interests:    
Isolation and characterization of invertebrate hormones regulating growth and reproduction; characterization of the genes coding these hormones.
Research Description:    
Characterization of the crustacean growth hormone; peptide isolation, purification and sequencing; cloning of invertebrate growth hormone; culture of invertebrates with food potential. Quantification of hormonal and protein expression responses to environmental stress.
Grants:    
USDA-NCRIGP; Sea Grant
Applications:    
Gene insertion, peptide sequencing, gene sequencing, aquaculture

 
Chang     Tsu-Shuan     Position:  Associate Professor     Phone:  5307528133     E-mail
Department:    
Elec & Computer Engineering
Principal Organism:    
Human, mammal
Research Interests:    
Linear and nonlinear programming, global optimization, neural networks, control systems and manufacturing systems.
Research Description:    
N/A
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Cheung     Anthony T.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  9167343855     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Pathology
Principal Organism:    
Virus, bacteria, microbe,
Research Interests:    
1) Leukocyte biology; 2) Microangiopathy; 3) Intravital microscopy; 4) image-analysis, 5) Vascular biology
Research Description:    
We are interested in host-bacteria and host-viral interaction. Current projects include: immunopathogenesis of Pseudomonad induced chronic endobronchitis, functional abnormalities of phagocytic leukocytes, pulmonary host defense against bacteria, host defense deficiency in simian aquired immune deficiency syndrome, diabetic microangiopathy, intravital microscopy, image-analysis, instrumentation design and application.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Medication testing as treatment for diabetes. Medication delivery evaluation for tumor treatment in animal model (s).

 
Choudary     Prabhakara V.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307525563     E-mail
Department:    
NPB
Principal Organism:    
Baculovirus; yeast; foodborne bacterial pathogens
Research Interests:    
Eukaryotic gene expression; protein engineering of immunoglobulins with emphasis on recombinant antibody production; rapid detection and control of foodborne pathogens.
Research Description:    
Research focuses primarily on protein engineering, with special emphasis on the production of recombinant antibodies of environmental health importance. Engineered antibodies are produced in heterologous hosts, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. Surface display vector systems are of particular interest, in addition to baculovirus and other eukaryotic expression vectors. Development of insect larvae and yeasts as "biofactories" for cost-effective, mass production of recombinant proteins is one of the goals of the laboratory. Development of innovative, modern methodology for rapid detection and control of foodborne bacterial pathogens is also of major interest. We have recently developed a new method, immuno-PCR, allowing sensitive detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in contaminated ground beef/milk/fruit juice within 8 hours of total assay time.
Grants:    
NIEHS, CEHS
Applications:    
Development of biopesticides and novel therapeutic agents; monitoring and bioremediation of environmental pollution; food microbial safety

 
Chuang     Ronald Y.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307527713     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Pharmacology
Principal Organism:    
virus
Research Interests:    
Metabolism (Animal, Microbial); Production Efficiency (Animal); Animal Disease (Diagnostics, Vaccines)
Research Description:    
My major research goal has been to understand the complex mechanism of regulation of gene expression of animal viruses and virus-infected eukaryotic cells. My research activities have included the following areas of studies: (1) the cloning and expression of bluetongue virus (BTV) from BTV-infected cattle and sheep, (2) the effect of drug abuse on the onset of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) using simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus monkeys as an animal model system and the cloning and sequencing of AZT-resistant SIV from opioid-treated monkeys, (3) the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of potential cancer chemotherapeutic agents, especially the non-DNA binding derivatives of adriamycin; (4) the health impact of the pesticide heptachlor, especially its effect on the expression of proto-oncogenes.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Analysis of Structure (DNA, RNA); Healthcare/Medical Technologies (Diagnostics, Veterinary Applications) Health-related application, Drug Abuse, HIV & AIDS

 
Clifford     Andrew J.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523376     E-mail
Department:    
Nutrition
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Experimental laboatory science approaches to solving nutritional science and clinical and community nutrition problems.
Research Description:    
Research in vitamin A and b-carotene seeks to determine the nutritional status of humans awith respect to these mutrients. A variety of gas, liquid, and supercritical fluid chromatography procedures in tandem with mass spectroscopy and stable isotopes are employed to study human subjects. It appears that intermediate states of vitamin A nutritional status can be reliably determined in humans. Analytical protocols are not being modified (simplified) to be useful in large clinical traials and epidemiological studies. Research on folates seeks to provide better information concerning the folate cofactor patterns of foods and the nutritional bioavailability of these compounds in human diets. Analytical approaches to determine folate patterns of foods include chromatographic and mass spectroscopic techniques. Bioavailability assays measure the potency of foods to replete growth, hematological values and body stores of folate in folate depleted animals and humans.
Grants:    
NIH
Applications:    

 
Conrad     Patricia Ann     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307527210     E-mail
Department:    
VM: Pathology, Microb & Immunology
Principal Organism:    
Babesia, Neospora, Toxopl
Research Interests:    
Protozoal Genetics; Molecular Parasitology and Immunoparasitology
Research Description:    
Molecular biology, immunology and charac of pathogenic protozoa. Special interest in the immunopathogenesis and epidemiology of protozoa parasites infecting animals and humans. Dev of parasite-specific DNA probes and immunoassays. Primary focus on the charac of tick-transmitted hemoprotozoal parasites and coccidial parasites that cause neurologic disease andor reproductive probs in cattle, horses, dogs, arine mammals, and humans. New focus on the pathogenesis of microsporial parasites of humans using lab animal models
Grants:    
Sea Grant (Dept of Commerce), Bayer Corp, CA Dairy Res.
Applications:    
Newly developed serologic and molecular tests for parasites are being applied for improved diagnosis in humans and/or animals. Pathogensis and immunology studies address clinically relevant questions. Vaccine to protect cattle from Neospora abortion.

 
Cortopassi     Gino A.     Position:  Assistant Professor     Phone:  5307549665     E-mail
Department:    
VM: Molecular Biosciences
Principal Organism:    
Humans, mice, domestic an
Research Interests:    
Mitochondrial Biochemistry & Genetics
Research Description:    
Molecular genetics. Mitochondrial genetics. Control of Apoptosis. Ultrasenstitive detection of mutations for surveillance of human exposure to mutagens. Ultrasensitive detection of food contaminants. Mechanism of mitochondrial genetic disease.
Grants:    
NIH RO1 11967
Applications:    

 
Coss     Richard G.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307521626     E-mail
Department:    
Psychology
Principal Organism:    
Gopher snake, rattle snak
Research Interests:    
Coevolution of rattlesnake venom proteins and serum proteins to neutralize venom proteins in ground squirrels.
Research Description:    
Radioimmunoassays of serum-to-binding levels among 24 populations of California ground squirrels and five species of rattlesnakes from the southwestern United States. Population variation in the inhibition of venom proteases by ground squirrel serum proteins. Use of natural and artificial substrates to investigate enzymatic activity.
Grants:    
NSF
Applications:    
Use of ground squirrel serum proteins (ultimately produced via cell biology techniques) as an alternative to horse serum antibodies as antivenom for those circumstances in which horse serum would produce trauma due to previous use in a snake bite context.

 
Crowe     John H.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307527465     E-mail
Department:    
Mol & Cell Biology
Principal Organism:    
seeds, pollen, yeasts, ne
Research Interests:    
Biochemical adaptation in organisms capable of surviving freezing or drying; stabilization of membranes and soluble proteins by carbohydrates; membrane biophysics
Research Description:    
We work primarly on the mechanisms by which sugars (paticularly the disaccharide trehalose) stabilize phospholipid bilayers, natural membranes, and proteins during freezing or drying. This work came out of the discovery in the mid-1970's in my lab that trehalose appears to be the critical molecule that permits organisms to survive dehydration. More recently we have begun work on effecrs of trehalose and other sugars on the physical properties of membranes in intact cells.
Grants:    
Platelet preservation ONR
Applications:    
1) Preservation of liposomes in the pharmaceutical industry. 2) Preservation of any labile protein. 3) Preservation of intact cells. 4) Optimization of survival of economically important organisms such as seeds, yeast cells, etc. in the dry state.

 
Curry     Fitz-Roy     Position:  Assoc Dean of Research     Phone:  5307521973     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Human Physiology
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Research Description:    
Theoretical and experimental studies of the regulation of transport of water and solutes across the walls of microvessels. Experimental studies involve the cannulation and perfusion of individual microvessels (15-40 micron diameter) using microperfusion and micromanipulation techniques. The flux of water and solutes across the vessel wall under well defined experimental conditions is measured using quantitative fluorescence microscopy, closed circuit video, video densitometry, and confocal microscopy. Using these techniques we are investigating the mechanisms whereby endothelial cells forming the microvessel wall control transcapillary fluxes. By loading the endothelial cells with fluorescent indicators of intracellular ion composition (Ca2+, pH) and membrane potential, we can investigate the cellular mechanisms which increase capillary permeability to cause inflammation and we are also investigating the mechanisms which restore permeability to normal values. The digital imaging methods provide a bridge between studies at the cellular and molecular level in endothelial cells in culture, and the functional properties of intact microvessels in situ. The methods are also being used to evaluate models of the three dimensional structures which determine resistance to water and solute flows across the endothelial barrier. By investigating the ultrastructure of the junctions between adjacent endothelial cells in microvessels of known permeability properties, we have developed 3 dimensional models of the water flow and small solute concentration distributions. The predictions of these models are tested using measured 3D distribution of electron dense and fluorescent solute distribution in the junctions between cells and in the tissue.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Dahmus     Michael E.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523551     E-mail
Department:    
Mol & Cell Biology
Principal Organism:    
Mammalian Cells, HeLa cel
Research Interests:    
Mechanisms and Regulation of Gene Expression in Eukaryotic Cells
Research Description:    
The synthesis on messenger RNA in eukaryotic cells is catalyzed by RNA polymerase (RNAP) II. The overall objective of our laboratory is to understand the complex molecular structure of mammalian RNAP II as it relates to its ability to catalyze specific steps in the transcription reaction. Mammalian cells contain two forms of RNAP II that differ in the degree of phosphorylation within the C-terminal domain (CTD) of their largest subunit. The CTD consists of 52 tandem repeats of the consensus sequence Tyr-Ser-Pro-Thr-Ser-Pro-Ser. The reversible phosphorylation of this domain is thought to play an important role in the regulation of RNAP II-promoter interactions. Studies are in progress to establish the functional significance of the repetitive CTD and the consequences of its phosphorylation. These studies include an analysis of the protein kinases and protein phosphatases that regulate the level of CTD phosphorylation, an analysis of CTD interactions as a function of the progression of RNAP II through the transcription cycle, and the analysis of the regulatory significance of RNAP II phosphorylation.
Grants:    
NIH
Applications:    
Gene manipulation (Animal, Plant); Monoclonal Antibodies; Analysis of Structure (DNA, Protein)

 
Dandekar     Abhaya M.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307527784     E-mail
Department:    
Pomology
Principal Organism:    
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Research Interests:    
Transfer, expression and regulation of 'transgenes' in tree crops. Investigation of natural and novel traits in fruit and nut tissues
Research Description:    
Transfer, expression and regulation of transgenes in perennial plants with emphasis on 1) pest and disease resistance and 2) studying metabolic regulation. 1) Agrobacterium-mediated transformation developed in walnut and apple with the isolation of transgenic plants expressing the insecticidal crystal proteins of Bacillus thuringiensis. Current research aimed at improving expression of ICP using synthetic coding region, isolation of tissue specific promoters and field testing of transgenic plants for resistance to the insect pest codling moth. 2) Identification of genes involved in metabolic regulation investigated through molecular and genetic analysis of genes involved in the biosynthesis of proline, sorbitol and ethylene. Current research focuses on the identification of genes that mediate the accumulation of proline and sorbitol through analysis of cDNA and genomic libraries. Regulation of these genes during development and in response to various forms of environmental stress like drought, salinity or chill. Ethylene biosynthesis is being studied in apple through the analysis of anti-sense constructs of ACC synthase (apple) and ethylene forming enzyme (EFE, apple) in transgenic plants.
Grants:    
Walnut Marketing Board, U
Applications:    
Insect and or disease tolerant tree crops like walnut, apple, Prunus, persimon. Improved shelf-life of apple and drought tolerance. Shelf compatible Almond and Apple varieties.

 
Dandekar     Satya     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523409     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Microbiology & Immunology
Principal Organism:    
HIV, SIV, enteric infections
Research Interests:    
Research Description:    
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Delany     Mary     Position:  Asst. Professor,Dev. Gen.     Phone:  5307549343     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Science
Principal Organism:    
birds
Research Interests:    
Avian Development; Conservation genetics; Avian Genomics, Cytogenetics
Research Description:    
1.My laboratory is studying the molecular organization of the ribosomal (r) RNA genes in commercial and research stocks of chicken. We are characterizing both the type amd extent of variation and the impact of such variation on growth and development. In addition, we are characterizing both the type and extent of variation and the impact of such variation on growth and development. In addition, we are fine mapping loci linked to the rRNA genes and studymg the potential of the rDNA to be a hotspot for recombination. 2. Another research project focuses on the gastrula stage of development in a mutant wherein interior-posterior axis formation is disrupted We are characterizing events preceding the expression of the mutant phenotype. 3. A third area of study is the molecular and developmental characterization of avian telomers.
Grants:    
NSF Avian genetic stocks;
Applications:    

 
Denison     Michael S.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523879     E-mail
Department:    
Environmental Toxicology
Principal Organism:    
various mammalian species,yeast,bacteria
Research Interests:    
Molecular mechanism of action of dioxin and related chemicals, receptors and gene expression, DNA binding proteins, bioassay systems for detection of dioxin and endocrine disruptors
Research Description:    
My current research interests lie in the area of biochemical and molecular toxicology, specifically as they relate to receptors and the modulation of gene expression by natural and synthetic ligands for these receptor ligands. Our focus is primarily directed toward investigating how dioxin and its specific receptor (the Ah receptor) complex, in combination with other trans-acting DNA regulatory factors, activates gene expression and the role of these events in the myriad of toxic and biological responses produced by dioxin. Specific research projects in my laboratory are focused on examination and characterization of the DNA binding and transcriptional activation of the dioxin: Ah receptor; identification and characterization of Ah receptor accessory factors; development of novel recombinant bioassay systems for screening samples for toxic/biologically-active dioxin-like chemicals. More recent research had focused on the development of bioassays to detect and characterize environmental endocrine disruptors. Overall our studies are directed toward gaining an understanding the molecular mechanisms of these classes of environmental toxicants, as well as providing insight into inducible regulation of mammalian gene transcription.
Grants:    
NIH
Applications:    
Development of recombinant screening bioassays for detection of dioxin-like chemicals and environmental hormones in environmental and biological samples.

 
Doi     Roy H.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523191     E-mail
Department:    
Mol & Cell Biology
Principal Organism:    
Clostridium sp
Research Interests:    
Gene Expression (Microbial); Fermentation Science (Organism Development); Energy (Alternate Energy Sources); Waste & Residue Management (Biomass Conversion)
Research Description:    
We are studying the structure and function of the Clostridium cellulovorans cellulase (cellulosome) which is a complex enzyme composed of about 10 different subunits. The cellulosome contains three major subunits designated CbpA, EngEand ExgS and a number of minor enzymatic subunits. The CbpA is a scaffolding protein to which all the other subunits bind to form the cellulosome. Our major interests are to determine and characterize the functional domains of the non-enzymatic subunits, to determine how the cellulosome is assembled from its subunits, and to understand the regulation of synthesis of the cellulosome. For this purpose we are using biochemical and molecular biology techniques for cloning and sequencing genes, for subcloning and expression of specific peptides from the CbpA, for studying the interactions between the functional domains of CbpA and endo- and exoglucanases, and for determining the factors that allow the expression of the genes for the cellulosome subunits.
Grants:    
DOE
Applications:    
Agric. waste Management Technologies (Treatment); Gene Manipulation (Microbial); Optimizing Protein Production (Microbial); Alternate Engergy Source (Biomass conversion)

 
Dubcovsky     Jorges     Position:  Associate Professor     Phone:       E-mail
Department:    
Agronomy & Range Science
Principal Organism:    
Wheat
Research Interests:    
The structure and function of the expressed portion of wheat genome. Assesment of gene content, colinearity and evolution in barley, maize, rice, sorghum and wheat. Single Sequence Repeat (SSR) characterization of Argentine wheat germplasm.
Research Description:    
N/A
Grants:    
NSF, NRI-USDA
Applications:    

 
Dungan     Stephanie R.     Position:  Associate Professor     Phone:  5307525447     E-mail
Department:    
Food Science & Tech; Chem, Eng, Mat, Sci
Principal Organism:    
N/A
Research Interests:    
Colloid and Interface science, formulations, bioseparations, drug delivery
Research Description:    
One focus of my research group is the use of reversed micelles to extract proteins from a complex whey mixture. We are exploring the effect of charge, size and hydrophobicity on the partitioning of alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin and immunoglobulins into a reversed micellar solution. One of the proteins, alpha-lactalbumin, has a substantial effect on the phase behavior of the microemulsion itself, and we are studying this interaction in order to learn whether proteins have potential application as cosurfactants. We are also investigating the partitioning of cholesterol into micelles made up of a surfactant known as quillaja saponin, which is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industry. We have been involved in the determination of its critical micelle concentration and micelle size for various aqueous phase conditions, and relating these properties to cholesterol solubilization within saponin solutions. Interestingly, we have found that quillaja saponin's molecular structure may make it particularly well-suited for forming mixed micelles with cholesterol, compared to more conventional synthetic surfactants. The kinetics of micellar colubilization are also being explored with model solute and surfactants. The use of micelles incorporated within gels for extraction and controlled release applications is another area of study. Here we are measuring the size, structure and diffusion coefficients of micelles within gels in order to predict their ability to take up or release hydrophobic solutes. By incorporating drugs within micelles within gels, the release rate becomes directly tied to the diffusion rate of the micelle, allowing one to design surfactant micelles in order to achieve a specific release rate.
Grants:    
Dairy Management; NSF; USDA; Procter&Gamble
Applications:    
biocompatible formulations, recovery of proteins from cheese whey, drug delivery, cholesterol and sterol extraction

 
Durzan     Don     Position:  Adjunct Professor     Phone:  5307520399     E-mail
Department:    
Environmental Horticulture
Principal Organism:    
Woody Perennials, forest
Research Interests:    
see research description
Research Description:    
Interests: 1. New technologies for breeding and seed orchards in forestry. 2. Production of anticancer metabolites in cell suspension cultures. 3. Diagnostics and computer-assisted technologies for metabolic phenotypes in plant health and disease. 4. Flavor and fragrance production in cell suspension cultures. 5. Global climatic change and apomixis. Description: 1. Cell and developmental biology; rejuvenation and regeneration of woody perennials; process control in nitrogen metabolism, uses of cyclodextrins, culture media development. Aging and antioxidant effects on plant cells, cloning endangered forest tree species, international consulting.
Grants:    
NASA microgravity
Applications:    
(1) Anti-cancer drugs (2) Tree breeding and improvement (3) Photobioreactor tech and commercialization (4) Space bio and stress remediation

 
Dvorak     Jan     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307526549     E-mail
Department:    
Agronomy & Range Sci
Principal Organism:    
Wheat
Research Interests:    
Gene Expression (Plant); Metabolism ( Plant); Stress Processes/Stress Protction (Plant); Conservation of Resources (Plant)
Research Description:    
1) Analysis of genetic basis of grain quality (wheat, rye, barley); molecular characterization of genes controlling baking quality of wheat. 2) Molecular basis of stress tolerance (salt, drought, cold) adaptive response in cereals. 3) Evolution of ribosomal RNA genes. 4) Molecular architecture of sex-determining chromosomes of turkey.
Grants:    
USDA
Applications:    
Production Efficiency Technologies (Plant); Analysis of Structure (DNA); Bioprocess Technology (Cell, Tissue, Organ Culture, Plant); Breeding Technologies (Plant)

 
Eldridge     Bruce F.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307526983     E-mail
Department:    
Entomology
Principal Organism:    
Mosquito, virus
Research Interests:    
Medical entomology, biology and control of mosquitoes, ecology of mosquito-borne viruses.
Research Description:    
N/A
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Epstein     Emanuel     Position:  Research Professor     Phone:  5307520197     E-mail
Department:    
LAWR - Soils and Biogeochemistry
Principal Organism:    
Wheat, rice, tomato
Research Interests:    
Gene Expression (Plant); Mineral Metabolism (Plant); Conservation of Resources (Plant); Stress Processes/Protection (Plant, Environmental) silicon in plant biology.
Research Description:    
Studies of wheatgrass, Elytrigia, species crosses with wheat, Triticum aestivum, with a view to gaining insight into physiological and molecular aspects of salt tolerance. Silicon in plant nutrition.
Grants:    
Dow Cornig Corporation
Applications:    
Gene Manipulation (Plant); Breeding Technologies (Plant); Development of Salt-Tolerant Crops; Improvement of plant resistance to stress conditions.

 
Erickson     Kent     Position:  Professor & Chair     Phone:  5307526616     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Cell Bio & Human Anatomy
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Cellular & Molecular Immunology, Tumorigenesis & metastasis, Cytokines, Ribozymes
Research Description:    
Cellular &Molecular regulation of macrophage function. The work makes use of cytokines to assess pathways of signal transduction. Gene regulation is studied by the use of ribozymes. We also study tumor metastasis by focusing on angiogenesis.
Grants:    
CA BreastCanc Res,Nat.DairyCouncil,Nat.BeefBoard
Applications:    
Immunology and Cancer Research

 
Falk     Bryce     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307520302     E-mail
Department:    
Plant Pathology
Principal Organism:    
Plant viruses
Research Interests:    
Plant viruses; insect transmission of plant viruses
Research Description:    
Plant viruses; insect transmission of plant viruses Research effort is centered around economically important plant viruses. We are using molecular biological approaches to understand the replication of plant viruses in their plant hosts and insect vectors. Our objectives are to control plant virus diseases by interfering with viral replication or vector-mediated transmission.
Grants:    
USDA-NRICGP; USDA
Applications:    
Developing transgenic, virus resistant plants; developing plants which interfere with aphid transmission of plant viruses.

 
Ferrara     Katherine W.     Position:  Professor and Chair     Phone:  5307549436     E-mail
Department:    
Biomedical Engineering
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Signal and imaging processing, medical imaging, ultrasound, acoustics, optics, fluid mechanics.
Research Description:    
The focus of our research is ultrasonic imaging with particular emphases on the detection and estimation of blood flow and the use of ultrasound contrast agents to improve the specificity of ultrasonic imaging. Ultrasound contrast agents consist of a gas core that is encapsulated by a shell, typically constructed of a lipid or cross-linked albumin. Since the echoes from blood are 100 times smaller than echoes from the surrounding tissue, detection of flow in small blood vessels is a challenging problem. Ultrasound contrast agents are introduced into the blood stream and produce a very strong echo due to their compressible gas core. Clinical applications include the diagnosis of myocardial perfusion and detection of angiogenesis in malignant tumors.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Gasser     Charles S.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307521013     E-mail
Department:    
Mol & Cell Biology
Principal Organism:    
Arabidopsis
Research Interests:    
The molecular basis of plant reproductive development, plant genetic engineering, public understanding and perception of science.
Research Description:    
We are using an interdisciplinary approach to elucidate the genetic and molecular mechanisms regulating morphogenesis and tissue differentiation in higher plants. Using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system we are studying the genes necessary for development of ovules, the precursors to seeds. More than forty such genes have been identified through the isolation and analysis of female-sterile mutants. Analysis the phenotypic effects of these mutations and their genetic interactions has allowed us to construct a model for genetic regulation of ovule development. We have now used positional cloning methods to isolate several of the key regulatory loci. These genes have been found to encode transcriptional regulators or components of signal transduction pathways. We are now using protein engineering and plant transformation to elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which these genes regulate ovule development. Our research has potential application in improvement of seed crops, or in facilitating plant propagation through improvement of seed stability or germination.
Grants:    
USDA, NSF
Applications:    
Gene Manipulation (Plant), Plant Transformation, Optimal Plant Development

 
Gepts     Paul L.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307527743     E-mail
Department:    
Agronomy & Range Sci
Principal Organism:    
Rhizobium, plant (legumes
Research Interests:    
Genetic resources and evolution of crop plants; Genetics of agronomic traits ; Molecular evolution of seed proteins; genome mapping; molecular markers
Research Description:    
My program is centered around three research foci using beans as experimental organisms of economic importance: 1) the evolution under cultivation in order to have a better understanding of the patterns of genetic diversity of cultivated gene pools. Genetic diversity is characterized using molecular markers and statistical analyses. Markers include RFLPs for single-copy sequences (both known and anonymous) and repetitive sequences (e.g., M13-related). 2) Genome mapping analysis of genetically complex traits. Using the same markers, we have developed molecular linkage maps to dissect the genetic control of genetically complex traits such as the interactions between the plant host and beneficial (Rhizobium) and pathogenic microorganisms, important morphological traits, the existence of co-adapted gene complexes, and phenology. 3) Molecular evolution of phaseolin: We are analyzing phaseolin seed protein multigene family by sequencing and physical mapping in order to complement our studies under 1) and to improve its nutritional characteristics (essential amino acid balance, digestibility). Our results assist breeders and germplasm curators to more efficiently conduct their activities. For example, we identify molecular tags of genes coding for important agronomic traits so that efficiency of selection can be improved and we identify those segments in germplasm collections that are under represented or not represented in the collection.
Grants:    
USDA, NRICGP, Plant Genome
Applications:    
Molecular tags of important genes, genomics (BAC libraries)

 
Gilchrist     David G.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307526938     E-mail
Department:    
Plant Pathology
Principal Organism:    
tomato, fungi,bacteria
Research Interests:    
Physiology, genetics and molecular genetics of plant-microbe interactions. Molecular and functional basis of plant response to pathogens and signal molecules that trigger host responses.
Research Description:    
Current research focused in two areas: 1) Programmed cell death (PCD) and lipid-based signaling in plants during infection and 2) incidence and mode of action of mycotoxins in food safety
Grants:    
Applications:    
Identify, isolate and characterize plant and pathogen genes signaling pathways that refulate plant-microbe interactions

 
Gillespie     John H.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307526018     E-mail
Department:    
Evolution & Ecology
Principal Organism:    
microbe
Research Interests:    
Population genetics with an emphasis on molecular evolution, the theory of selection in a fluctuating environment, and stochastic processes in evolution.
Research Description:    
N/A
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Gorin     Fredric     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523900     E-mail
Department:    
Med Neurology: Campus
Principal Organism:    
Human, mammal, primate, a
Research Interests:    
Neuromuscular diseases, neurogenetics, gene therapy. molecular biology, neurotrophic regulation of gene expression in muscle and nreve, brain glycolytic metabolism
Research Description:    
1. Examination of cellular mechanisms (nerve and vascular) regulating glycotytic metabolism in regenerating muscle; 2. Generation of DNA probes and antibodies to examine regional glycolytic metabolism in human and primate brain
Grants:    
Applications:    
Gene therapy of muscle disorders, treatment for epilepsy, stroke, migrane

 
Gottlieb     Leslie D.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307522864     E-mail
Department:    
Evolution & Ecology
Principal Organism:    
Native Plants
Research Interests:    
Molecular Evolution (Plant); Structure-Function Plant Isozymes; Gene Duplications; Gene Structure and Sequence
Research Description:    
Cloning and characterization of nuclear genes encoding plant glycolytic isozymes; major effort involves cytosolic and chloroplast isozymes of phosphoglucose isomerase in the wildflower Clarkia, native to California; application of sequence evidence to reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships; Molecular evolution
Grants:    
NSF
Applications:    
Analysis of Structure (DNA); Assessment of metabolism in plants and contribution of different isozymes

 
Gradziel     Thomas M.     Position:  Associate Professor     Phone:  5307521575     E-mail
Department:    
Pomology
Principal Organism:    
Peach and Almond, Prunus
Research Interests:    
Genetics and Breeding of Prunus tree crops. Genetic transformation of intact tissues. Modification of the plant sexual-reproductive systems.
Research Description:    
A research goal is to develop the genetic elements of integrated solutions to the serious problems facing the Prunus tree crop industries brought about by losses of agri-chemicals, labor, and good crop land. Three areas have been identified where genetic improvements offer promise for resolving production problems: brown rot of clingstone peach, aflatoxin contamination of almond, and pollination efficacy in almond. Methods of gene transfer utilized include intergeneric and interspecific introgression, intraspecific hybridization, and genetic transformation via Agrobacterium ssp., particle bombardment, and pollen mediated transfer of exotic genes. More efficient gene introgression and gene identification are being pursued through the application of a low density Prunus linkage map using DNA and phenotypic markers.The lab is attempting to circumvent regeneration barriers in recalcitrant woody tree cultivars by targeting meristem competent tissue for transformation. Procedures are being developed to sort out inevitable genetic mosaics and to stabilize mosaics as epidermal chimeras. Resulting capability to synthesize genetically binary organs and tissue would provide a very powerful tool for crop improvement as well as for studying the basic nature of cell-tissue and tissue-tissue interactions in plant development.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Cell and tissue transformation are achieved using 'particle gun' technology. Genetically transformed cells are employed for genetic selection, and the study of the cell and tissue development.

 
Haard     Norman F.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307522507     E-mail
Department:    
Food Science & Tech
Principal Organism:    
fish
Research Interests:    
Food biochemistry; science and technology of marine food products; utilization of fishery by-products and unconventional species; role of endogenous enzymes in seafood quality, application of enzymes in seafood processing.
Research Description:    
The comparative biochemistry of digestive proteases from aquatic organisms is being investigated and knowledge of the basic properties of these proteases is being used to study application of marine enzymes as food processing aids. Current emphasis is on peptidases from aquatic invertebrates and their use as a cheese ripening aid. An 80-90 kDa cystatin has been isolated from injured or methyl jasmonate treated tomato seedling leaves.. The inhibitor is particularly effective against a cathepsin L-like protease that causes gel weakening of Pacific whiting surimi. Current research is underay to clone the gene for this cystatin. An extension of our work on the comparative biochemistry of digestive proteases is the use of salmonid digestive enzymes to assess the in vitro digestibility of protein and phosphorous by this family of fish.
Grants:    
USDA
Applications:    

 
Hammock     Bruce D.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307527519     E-mail
Department:    
Entomology & Cancer Center
Principal Organism:    
Mice, Rabbit, insects
Research Interests:    
Metabolism of Epoxidized Xenobiotics; Biochemistry of the Insect Endocrine System; Development of Viral Insecticide; Development of Immunoassays for the Detection of Residues of Toxins
Research Description:    
INSECT RESEARCH - Exploit a fundamental understanding of insect development biology for the control of insect pests. Develop site-directed inhibitors for enzymes involved in juvenile hormone metabolism. Design chemical and biochemical agents for the disruption of insect development. Use cloned proteins expressed in baculovirus vectors for insect control. Investigate regulation of endocrine events at the molecular level. MAMMALIAN RESEARCH - Examine the effect of hepatic enzymes on foreign compounds in our diet and the influence of these compounds on hepatic enzymes. Examine the mechanism of action of nongenotoxic carcinogens and their influence on es-terases, epoxide hydrolases, and glutathione transferases. Design selective inhibitors, substrates and purification systems for hepatic esterases and ep-oxide hydrolases. Clone and hyperexpress esterases and epoxide hydrolases for structural and toxicological studies. IMMUNOCHEMISTRY - Develop the technologies for application of immunochemistry to toxicological and environmental research. Develop mono- and polyclonal based immunoassays for environmental contaminants Develop immunoassay systems to evaluate human exposure. Explore monoclonal, polyclonal and cloned antibodies for biosensor development.
Grants:    
USDA Superfund, NIEHS
Applications:    
Insect control to improve agricultural output and protect the environment and apply new inexpensive techniques to identify human exposure ecosystems to hazardous substances.

 
Harada     John J.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307520673     E-mail
Department:    
Plant Biology
Principal Organism:    
Arabidopsis, Brassica, to
Research Interests:    
Developmental biology (plant); embryogenesis (plant); seed formation (plants); seed germination (plants); gene expression (plant); molecular genetics (plant); organelle (peroxisome); biogenesis (plant)
Research Description:    
As a paradigm to understand higher plant development, my lab is investigating the molecular and cellular biology of embryogenesis and postgerminative development. In one major project, we are studying mutations of Arabidopsis thaliana that disrupt late embryonic development to dissect the regulatory processes that control the transition from embryogenesis to germination. In a related project, we are also studying mutations that affect early embryogenesis. Another project focuses on glyoxysomes, organelles that play a critical role in post germinative development. To understand the processes that control glyoxysomal function, we are studying the signals and pathways that regulate the expression of genes encoding the glyoxysomal enzymes, isocitrate lyase and malate synthase.
Grants:    
DOE; NSF
Applications:    
Altering see quality and seed germination, targeting gene expression to specific periods during seed development and germination.

 
Hedrick     Jerry L.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523192     E-mail
Department:    
Mol & Cell Biology
Principal Organism:    
frogs, human, fish, pig
Research Interests:    
Structure-function relations of proteins and glycoproteins; cellular and molecular biology of fertilization.
Research Description:    
The research focus of my laboratory is the glycoprotein structure-fertilization function relations of the egg extracellular matrix (ECM). The macromolecules composing the ECM are involved in sperm-egg binding, induction of sperm exocytosis (acrosome reaction), enzyme assisted sperm penetration, and a block to polyspermy. The primary experimental animal systems used are the frog, fish, and pig. Molecular mechanisms of sperm-egg interactions we have identified include limited proteolysis of ECM glycoproteins by sperm and egg proteases, and egg lectin-ECM ligand bind. Proteases have been isolated from sperm and eggs and their structures determined by protein chemistry and recombinant DNA methods. The cellular location of these molecules was determined using immunological and cytochemical methods. A galactose specific egg lectin and its oviductally secreted ligand have been isolated; the primary sequence of the lectin is unique and suggests that we have discovered a new class of lectins -egg lectins - with a fertilization associated function. The structure-function relations of these sperm and egg glycoproteins is being investigated with the goal of establishing how these molecular mechanisms regulate cell-cell interactions in the fertilization process and how these mechanisms could be used for contraception (or to promote conception in the case of agriculturally important animals).
Grants:    
Applications:    
Regulation of fertilization

 
Hershey     John W. B.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523235     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Bio Chem
Principal Organism:    
Mammalian cells; yeast
Research Interests:    
Translation control mechanisms and the role of initiation factors in animal cells. Protein biosynthesis: gene structure and expression
Research Description:    
Mechanisms of protein synthesis and translational control in mammalian and yeast cells. Structurel/function of initiation factors and their genes/cDNAs. Role of factor phosphorylation. Because most translational controls occur at the initiation phase research focuses on initiation factors and the mechanism of initiation. Purified mammalian initiation factor activities are probed biochemically, and studied by expression of their DNAs in transfected cells. Emphasis is placed on elucidating factor activity changes due to phosphorylation or other modifications. Similar problems are pursued in budding yeast, where cloning and classical genetics are applied to elucidating the initiation pathway.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Gene Expression

 
Heyer     Wolf D.     Position:  Associate Professor     Phone:  5307523001     E-mail
Department:    
Microbiology
Principal Organism:    
Yeast
Research Interests:    
Yeast physiology and genetics. Molecular genetics. DNA metabolism.
Research Description:    
Mechanism and regulation of homologous recombination during meiosis and DNA repair using yeasts as model systems. Analysis of mammalian DNA repair genes in yeasts. Identification and characterization of genes required for these processes and purification and characterization of the encoded proteins.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Hjelmeland     Leonard M.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307522250     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Ophthalmology
Principal Organism:    
Human, mammal
Research Interests:    
Expression of growth factor genes during tissue remodeling
Research Description:    
The objective of the research is to determine how the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) regulates the formation of scar tissue and the survival of photoreceptors during retinal detachment. When the retina is detached, the RPE produces growth factors, proteins which regulate the proliferation and differentiation of cells. When the retina is normally attached, growth factors are not produced by the RPE. The specific aims of this research focus on how the expression and subcellular distribution of one of these proteins, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is regulated in the retinal pigment epithelium. The bFGF has been demonstrated to have potent effects on the proliferation of glial and fibroblastic cells, and on the differentiation and survival of neurons, including photoreceptors. Using the techniques of molecular biology and cell biology, the expression of bFGF and other growth factors such as FGF-5 are studied in vivo and in vitro in the RPE.
Grants:    
NIH through 6/30/2000 Rol
Applications:    

 
Horwitz     Barbara A.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307520169     E-mail
Department:    
Neurobiology, Physiology
Principal Organism:    
Rats, hamsters, mouse
Research Interests:    
Neural and hormonal, & genetic regulation of metabolism, with emphasis on alterations in obesity and aging.
Research Description:    
1. Studies examining the neural/hormonal regulation of obesity and thermogenesis and the genetic basis of obesity. 2. Studies examining membrane/ionic changes in activated brown adipocytes (major sites of thermogenesis in mammals). 3. Studies evaluating the basis for loss of homeostatic ability in aging and senescence.
Grants:    
Merit Award-NIA-aging NIDDK award-obesity
Applications:    
Currently studying altered brain gene expression in a rat model (Zucker rat) of obesity and senescence. Using differential display and various techniques for MRNA measurement

 
Hung     Silas S.O.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523580     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Science
Principal Organism:    
Fish
Research Interests:    
Fish feeding nutrition and biochemistry
Research Description:    
Fish nutrition and feeding.Nutrient utilization of transgenic and normal fish.
Grants:    
CalFed Bay-Delta Program
Applications:    
Aquaculture

 
Igo     Michele M.     Position:  Assistant Professor     Phone:       E-mail
Department:    
Microbiology
Principal Organism:    
E. coli, microbe
Research Interests:    
Research Description:    
All cells must sense their environment, assess their physiological state, and then make the appropriate regulatory response. For some signals, this response is controlled by proteins that are members of a large family of homologous proteins, the two-component regulatory systems. These systems are involved in such diverse processes as virulence in Bordetella pertussis; nitrogen fixation in Rhizabium species; and the ethylene response pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana. The fact that two-component regulatory systems are so widespread suggests that these systems use a common strategy to process environmental information. To gain insight into this family of proteins, our laboratory studies the two-component system EnvZ/OmpR that controls the expression of two outer membrane proteins of Escherichia coli in response to changes in medium osmolarity. A key regulatory step in this signal transduction pathway involves the phosphorylated transcription factor, OmpR The primary goal of our work is to establish the specificity of the molecular interactions between OmpR and its target DNA and to determine how phvsphorylation of OmpR affects these interactions. Specifically, we are using a combined genetic and biochemical approach to address the following questions: (1) What are the characteristics of a single OmpR binding site? (2) How does phosp.horylation of OmpR affect its ability to bind DNA? (3 3 How does binding of OmpR to its target sites bring about the observed changes in gene expression?
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Isseroff     Roslyn-Rivkah     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307528155     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Dermatology
Principal Organism:    
Mammalian: Human, mouse,rabbit
Research Interests:    
Bioengineering tissue replacements. Electrical stimulation of wound healing. Environmental stresses in skin. Wound healing clinical trials.
Research Description:    
1- Bioengineering tissue replacements.Currently engineer replacement skin and cornea surfaces. Bladder tissue replacement under way.Our lab is also a certified Tissue Bank (California Dept Health, and American Association Tissue Banks). 2- Electrical stimulation of wound healing. Currently investigating mechanisms by which skin-derived cells sense and respond to applied electric fields with directional migration. Also devising and testing a prototype microsensor electrode array to measure electric fields in skin and skin wounds. This utilizes microengineered needles using MEMS technology. 3- Environmental stresses in skin. Currently investigating the signaling pathway of environmental stresses such as UV irradiation, Ozone, arsenic, on skin epithelial cells. Characterizing early biomarkers of exposure. Assays for toxicity. 4- Wound healing clinical trials: The PI is also director of the WOund Healing Clinic at the VA Northern California-Mather Hospital. Clinical trials for therapuetic approaches to healing chronic wounds are carried out there.
Grants:    
NIH, Shriners Hospitals Children, NIH/SBIR
Applications:    
Bioengineered tissue replacements, wound healing, skin biomarkers of environmental stress, UV monitoring.

 
Jackman     Alan P.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307528777     E-mail
Department:    
Chem Eng & Mat Science
Principal Organism:    
Trichosanthes Kirilowii,
Research Interests:    
Production Efficiency (Plant and Microbial); Waste & Residue Management (Degradation/Detoxification); Engineering (Process Design
Research Description:    
My biochemical research interests are in the areas of biokinetics, bioreactor design, and process modeling. I have undertaken studies of growth and substrate uptake kinetics in algal cultures, mixed microbial cultures, and suspension cultures of alfalfa and Chinese cucumber callus. My research is currently focussed on production of ribosome-inactivating proteins in plant cell cultures. One objective of these studies is to develop models of the kinetic behavior of complex systems. Another objective is optimization of product formation in plant cell cultures by appropriate adjustment of environmental variables is another. I am also interested in manipulations which affect the rate of expression of genes for various members of the multigene family of ribosome inactivating proteins found in the Chinese Cucumber (Trichosanthes kirilowii). We are currently studying the effects of transformations using Agrobacterium rhizogenes. I am also working on the production of sulfolipids and phospholipids by cyanobacterial cultures. These lipids have been identified as having both anti-cancer and anti-HIV activity. They are produced in the thylakoid membrane and are therefore closely linked to the photosynthetic activity of the cells. We have just completed studies on modeling the growth of cyanobacteria in a photobioreactor.
Grants:    
NSF UC Biotechnology Rese
Applications:    
Bioprocess (Plant, Microbial, Cell Culture)

 
Jue     Thomas     Position:  Assoc. Professor     Phone:       E-mail
Department:    
MED: Bio Chem
Principal Organism:    
Human, mammal
Research Interests:    
In vivo NMR. Intermediary metabolism. Protein structure.
Research Description:    
Developing NMR techniques, both imaging and spectroscopy, to observe biochemical processes in localized tissue in vitro. Focus is on research on key metabolites that reflect cellular bioenergetics or metabolic regulation.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Kado     Clarence I.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307520325     E-mail
Department:    
Plant Pathology
Principal Organism:    
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Research Interests:    
Mechanism of horizontal gene transfer; reguation of virulance genes; biotech of microbials
Research Description:    
Studies on the mechanism of T-DNA transfer to Plants. Plasmid Biology--conjugative DNA transfer, host-range specificity. Biotechnology--the characterization of pathogenicity genes in Xanthomonas campestris and Pantoea citrea, and optimization of the bacterial luciferase system for gene regulation studies in plants.
Grants:    
NIH, NSF, DOE, CORP
Applications:    
Spin-offs are: plant transformation (genetic engineering of plants), design of wide-host-range

 
Kaya     Harry K.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307521051     E-mail
Department:    
Nematology
Principal Organism:    
Nematode, insect, virus, bacteria, fungi
Research Interests:    
Utilization of nematodes for biological control of insect pests; Interaction between nematodes and other biological control agents; General insect pathology (protozoan, viral and fungal disease of insects).
Research Description:    
My research is focused in insect pathology and entomopathogenic nematodes as biological control agents. The overall objective of my program is to develop insect pathogens as control agents to reduce the pesticide load in the environment. More specifically, my laboratory is studying nematode foraging behavior, the use of stressors to increase the susceptibility of pest insects to pathogens, competition between nematode species, and soil ecology of entomopathogenic nematodes and other insect pathogens.
Grants:    
IPM, Slosson Foundation
Applications:    
use of natural enemies for pest suppression

 
Klasing     Kirk     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307521901     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Sciences
Principal Organism:    
Avian, chicken
Research Interests:    
Animal Growth and nutrition requirements. Interaction between the immune system and growth physiology.
Research Description:    
Research is directed at understanding how cytokines produced by the immune system regulate growth and reproduction related physiology. Pharmaceuticals and biologicals that impact disease resistance are also studied
Grants:    
Applications:    
Modulating the immune system can be used to improve the growth rate and efficiency of feed conversion of animals raised for human consumption

 
Kowalczykowski     Stephen C.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307525938     E-mail
Department:    
Microbiology
Principal Organism:    
E. coli; S. cerevisiae
Research Interests:    
Protein-nucleic Acid Interactions Genetic Recombination
Research Description:    
My research is focused on the molecular mechanisms of genetic recombination, with the long term objective being the reconstitution of an in vitro system that accurately reproduces the cellular process. Currently, we are characterizing the biochemical properties of proteins essential to homologous recombination in E. coli; these proteins include the recA, recBCD, and SSB protein. In addition, we are determining how a specific DNA sequence called Chi, contributes to the observed recombination hotspot activity. The recA protein promotes a reaction that is central to the recombination process, namely, the pairing of homologous DNA molecules and the subsequent exchange of DNA strands. Since recA protein is the prototypic DNA strand exchange protein, we are interested in the biochemical mechanism of protein-mediated homologous recognition and the manner by which strands of DNA are exchanged. The recBCD enzyme is both DNA helicase and an ATP-dependent nuclease, it has the remarkable property that its nuclease activity, but not its helicase activity, is attenuated by interaction with a Chi sequence by a mechanism which remains unknown. The SSB protein is an ssDNA binding protein that stimulates the activities of both the recA and recBCD proteins by virtue of its ability to bind ssDNA. Recently, we have reconstituted an in vitro pairing reaction that requires the concerted action of each of these proteins; the role of each protein in this reaction is under investigation. In addition, we are interested in the biochemical mechanism and function of DNA helicases, a class of enzymes that utilizes the energy of ATP hydrolysis to unwind dsDNA; both the mechanism of energy transduction and their participation in complex processes such as recombination is being examined. The proteins from S. cerevisiae include the Rad51, Rad52, and RP-A proteins. The Rad51 protein is the yeast homologue of recA protein; the RP-a protein is a ssDNA binding phophoprotein, functionally similar to SSB protein. The manner by which the activities of these proteins is coordinated to produce genetic recombinants is being examined.
Grants:    
NIH: AI-18987 GM-41347;HumFrontSciProg, RG0063
Applications:    
Gene Targeting; Gene Replacement therapies; Mapping.

 
Kung     Hsing-Jien     Position:  Professor/Deputy Director     Phone:  9167341538     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Bio Chem/UC Davis Cancer Center
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Kinase and signal transduction. Oncogenes and oncogenesis mechanisms. Oncogenic viruses. Retorvirus and herpesvirus.
Research Description:    
Receptor-kinase oncogenes and signal transduction. One of the major research interests in the laboratory is oncogenic transformation and signal transduction by receptor-kinases. The system under study is epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR or erbB), which has a wide tissue distribution and exerts diverse functions in different cell types. Among the receptors, EGFR family is most frequently implicated in human cancer induction. Our lab has focused on the role of erbB kinases in prostate and breast carcinogenesis. Using an androgen responsive xenograft system and cell lines, we showed that TGFa, which activates primarily erbB1/erbB1 dimer, is strongly mitogenic, whereas HRG, which activates erbB3/erbB2 dimer, induces anoikis, detachment-induced apoptosis. Detailed analysis of the signal pathways associated with these two processes reveals that PI 3 kinase pathway plays a significant role in both cell survival and anoikis, depending on the accompanying signals. In the course of these studies, we also discovered a tyrosine kinase, Etk, that contains a PH domain and is an effector of PI 3 kinase. The activity of this kinase determines the fate of prostate cells. In addition, we found that cytokine IL6 also activates erbB2 and erbB3 receptors and such activation is crucial to the activation of MAPK and PI3K. This provides the first evidence that cytokine and erbB growth factor receptors can cross-talk and interact with each other. An additional project in the laboratory involves the development of a kinase display approach that describes all or nearly all tyrosine kinases in a single gel by a single RT-PCR reaction. With this approach, we have obtained comprehensive tyrosine kinase profiles of all major solid tumor malignancies and uncovered several potential tumor markers for certain cancers. Among them, Ret tyrosine kinase was found to be overexpressed in high-grade prostate cancers and in PIN, but not in BPH. Nyk, a cell adhesion-related receptor tyrosine kinase is found to be overexpressed in prostate cancers but not normal prostate epithelial cells. Future studies will continue the theme of receptor cross-talks and seek understanding of the detailed signals that determine proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and differentiation of the prostate cells. Oncogenesis by retroviruses and herpesviruses. Retroviruses are naturally occurring pathogens that are associated with cancer and AIDS. A longstanding interest of this lab is to understand how retroviruses mutagenize host oncogenes by direct integration of its genome, a process referred to as insertional mutagenesis. Recently we discovered that retroviral insertion can also occur in herpesvirus genome. Interactions between retrovirus and herpesvirus, especially in AIDS, have been reported and are considered to be important in changing the disease course. Our finding provides a new definition of these interactions and suggests that direct genetic recombination between these two pathogens are possible. This raises the possibility that retrovirus information can be propagated by herpesvirus, and retrovirus may modulate herpesvirus expression by insertional mutagenesis and alter the phenotype of herpesvirus. Another line of investigation has led to the discovery of a putative herpesvirus oncogene Meq that has hallmarks of both jun/fos oncogene and WT-1 tumor suppressor gene. Its transformation properties and mechanisms are being investigated. A third line of investigation relates to the recently identified herpesviurs KSHV which causes KaposisÂ’ sarcoma. We have identified a bZIP transcriptional factor K-bZIP that shares homology and positional analogy to the EBV ZEBRA, a gene implicates in the reactivation of latent EBV genome. The possible role of K-bZIP in KSHV replication is being actively pursued.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
La Salle     Janine     Position:  Assistant Professor     Phone:  5307547906     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Microbiology and Immunology
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
The role of epigenetics and parental imprinting in the neurodevelopmental disorders Prader-Willi, Angelman, and Rett syndromes.
Research Description:    
N/A
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Labavitch     John M.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307520920     E-mail
Department:    
Pomology
Principal Organism:    
tomato, pear, strawberry
Research Interests:    
Cell wall metabolism in plant development. Host-pathogen interactions in relation to polysaccharides and their digestion.
Research Description:    
Our laboratory focuses on the involvement of cell wall metabolism in important events in the postharvest lives of fruits. In general we study the ripening-associated softening of fruits and aspects of the biochemistry of fruit interactions with fungal pathogens. Currently we are attempting to learn if oligosaccharides produced during the self-digestion of cell wall pectins play a role in regulating ripening. We are also using molecular techniques to test the role of polygalacturonase inhibitor proteins in fruit defense against pathogens.
Grants:    
NRICGP, BioSTAR, Cal. Pest Mgmt, Walnut Mkt Brd, Cottn
Applications:    
1) Expressed the pear fruit PG inhibitor at a high level in transgenic tomatoes. Enhanced resistance to Botrytis cinerea, potential utility in hort. commodities, strawberries. 2) Work on oligomer regulation of tomato ripening may give better control of r

 
Lagarias     Donna     Position:  Director     Phone:  5307549441     E-mail
Department:    
Becton Dickinson Flow Cytometry Facility
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Research Description:    
Flow cytometry was initially used for research on cancer, AIDS, and other conditions, but the technology has rapidly become indispensable in a broad range of studies in animal, plant, and microbial systems.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Lagarias     J. Clark     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307521865     E-mail
Department:    
Mol & Cell Biology
Principal Organism:    
Oats, green algae, arabidopsis, Nicotiana sp.
Research Interests:    
Plant photoperception; Signal transduction/environmental;Photoperception at the molecular level
Research Description:    
My laboratory's research has focussed on two subjects - the biosynthesis and regulation of the biosynthesis of the phytochrome chromophore and structure-function analysis of the plant photoreceptor phytochrome. Research funded by the USDA focusses on elucidation of the enzymology of the committed steps of the phytochrome chromophore biosynthetic pathway and the phenotypic consequences of its regulation by expression of the gene for the mammalian enzyme biliverdin reductase in transgenic plants. Among the more notable achievements of his research has been the demonstration that phytochrome assembles its own chromophore from free linear tetrapyrrole precursors in the absence of added cofactors. This discovery has not only enabled many laboratories to prepare photochemically active recombinant phytochromes facilitating structure-function studies on this interesting biliprotein photoreceptor, but it has led to the development of novel in vivo fluorescent protein probes, the phytofluors, which are expected to afford numerous applications for basic and applied cell biological research. Recent work on phytochromes from cyanobacteria has revealed that a cyanobacterial phytochrome Cphl is a light-regulated protein kinase. The implications of this discovery to the biochemical mechanism in eukaryotic plants is the focus of ongoing work funded by the NSF.
Grants:    
USDA; NSF
Applications:    
Alteration of light responses (i.e. photoperiodic flowering response, shade avoidance) by expression of biliverdin reductase in transgenic plants. Use of phytofluors as fluorescent reporter gene marker and for studying protein-protein interaction within

 
Lam     Kit S.     Position:  Professor/Chief     Phone:  9167348012     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Hematology and Oncology
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Research Description:    
Developed a high throughput screening method for peptide sequences aimed at finding cancer cell specific receptors through combinatory chemical synthesis of peptide libraries and cancer cell biomarker research efforts (Lam et al 1991, Nature 354:82). He has also developed the use of these peptide libraries for screening for their inhibitory properties on tyrosine kinases. His ideas of using these peptides on the carrier of cancer therapeutic agents, and his knowledge of biomarkers and pharmacokinetics, make him very valuable to our Center members who seek advice and collaboration in these areas of science. His research group also operates an impressive collection of high throughput and high volume cellular screening instruments.
Grants:    
NIH, NSF
Applications:    

 
Last     Jerold A.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307526230     E-mail
Department:    
Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine
Principal Organism:    
Rat, human cells, mouse
Research Interests:    
Protein biosynthesis and structure; role of collagen in lung disease
Research Description:    
Biosynthesis and location of collagen crosslinks in normal tissue, diseases, animal models of diseases, and aging tissue. Control of expression of collagen modifying enzymes. General--regulation of protein synthesis; animal models of acute and chronic lung fibrosis; collagen biochemistry; lung toxicology. Specific--collagen metabolism of fibrotic lung; collagen crosslinking and its control; application of HPLC to studies of collagen metabolism; application of cell culture techniques to understanding organ toxicity. Cloning of genes for lysyl hydroxylase, collagens, Northern Blots, In situ hybridization.
Grants:    
NIEHS Center Grant, HSRA
Applications:    
Protein purification techniques (HPLC, conventional, antibody); regulation of gene expression; ELISA methodology; Baculovirus and E. Coli expression systems; site-directed mutagenesis.

 
Läuchli     Andre     Position:  Assoc. Vice Chan./Prof.     Phone:  5307520891     E-mail
Department:    
Office of Research
Principal Organism:    
crop plants
Research Interests:    
Responses of plants to environmental stresses Nutrient Efficiency of Crop Plants
Research Description:    
Mechanisms of sensitivity and tolerance to salinity and nutrient stresses in plants, particularly crop species. This basic research will lead to information that is essential for production of crops with improved environmental stress tolerance using biotechnology approaches.
Grants:    
German Research Foundation, Dept. of Water Resources
Applications:    
Production Efficiency Technologies (Plant)

 
LeFebvre     Rance     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307522788     E-mail
Department:    
Comparative Pathology
Principal Organism:    
Borrelia, Leptospira
Research Interests:    
Leptospirosis and Lyme disease- both caused by Spirochetal Zoonotic organisms.
Research Description:    
The emphasis of our lab is directed at spirochetal diseases, such as Lyme borreliosis, relapsing fever, and leptospirosis. Molecular and immunologic methods are being utilized to unlock the control and expression of virulence factors and immune modulators of these bacteria. Included in this research are experiments to transform these spirochetes with reporter genes with a view toward identifying in vivo activated promoters and their related genes and gene products. Tied to this are the phenomena of host antigen mimicry, gene switching and antigenic variation, and the identification of potential vaccine candidates. Mechanisms of immune evasion concomitant with chronic infections by these spirochetes are also being investigated. We are also investigating the unique and enigmatic feature of the Borrelia spp. in that they contain a linear chromosome and a variable repertoire of several large linear plasmids (15-7kbp) which may in fact be mini chromosomes. It is known that many of the important outer surface antigens of the Borrelia spirochetes are located on these linear plasmids. Possible exchange of these genetic elements between organisms is being investigated.
Grants:    
Applications:    
DNA probe development; vaccine development; genetic and immunologic diagnostic assays

 
Liu     Bo     Position:  Assistant Professor     Phone:  5307528138     E-mail
Department:    
Plant Biology
Principal Organism:    
Arabidopsis, Aspergillus, tobacco
Research Interests:    
Cytoskeletal roles in cell division and cell growth
Research Description:    
We are interested in when, where and how cell division event takes place in eukaryotic cells. We use two model systems, the flowering plant arabidopsis thaliana and the filamentous fungus aspergillus nidulans. We employ approaches of biochem, cell bio, genetics and molecular biology.
Grants:    
US Dept of Agric.
Applications:    
Plant cell culture, protein expression in fungi, anti-fungal targets

 
Longo     Marjorie     Position:  Assistant Professor     Phone:  5307546348     E-mail
Department:    
Chem Eng & Mat Science
Principal Organism:    
Human
Research Interests:    
Biophysics and Engineering of self-asssembled biological structures
Research Description:    
My research interests are in the biophysics and engineering of self-assembled colloidal structures. A major effort is in the characterization of cytofectin-based gene transfer mixtures for gene transfer to mammalian cells. These mixtures contain postively charged lipids, DNA, and fusion proteins. In this work, models of the important interactions that determine the degree of association of DNA with lipids will be tested experimentally and compared with formulation effectiveness. Another project involves the design and characterization of polypeptides that change conformation when triggered by external conditions such as light of a certain wavelength. The basis of the designs are shifts in amino acid - amino acid interactions and amino acid-solvent interactions when exposed to conditions which change the electronic structure of the amino acids. The designed proteins are aimed at targeted drug delivery and diagnostics devices with controlled accessibility of antibodies. A third project is aimed at understanding the biophysics of protein adsorption and aggregation in a lipid bilayer. This project has applications in lipid bilayer-protein based biosensors, understanding viral infection, and the action of signal peptides. Techniques used include: micropipette aspiration for adsorptive, mechanical properties, and adhesive characterization of biological membrane lipid bilayers; atomic force microscopy; and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Grants:    
NSF Career Development Award, Whitaker Foundation, NSF
Applications:    
Biomimetics, biosensors, gene therapy, tissue scaffolds, viral infections

 
Lönnerdal     Bo     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307528347     E-mail
Department:    
Nutrition
Principal Organism:    
human, rat, rhesus monkey
Research Interests:    
Biological function of milk proteins. Pediatric nutrition and Trace element metabolism
Research Description:    
Studies on biological function and phsiological significance of milk proteins. Cloning of milk protein genes, expression and modification of milk proteins and studies on addition of bioactive factors to infant foods, using cells, animal models and human infants. Studies on factors affecting breast milk composition, including maternal nutrition, hormones and stage of lactation. Mechanisms for nutrient uptake by mammary cells as well as expression of genes coding for human milk proteins. Bioavailability of nutrients to infants and how this is affected by the mode of feeding, including receptor-mediated uptake mechanisms in the small intestine. Dietary factors affecting the absorption of trace elements and minerals. Trace element uptake and transport by biological membranes, including receptor-mediated uptake of trace elements by the placenta, intestine, liver and mammary gland.
Grants:    
NIH, USDA
Applications:    

 
Lucas     William J.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307521093     E-mail
Department:    
Plant Biology
Principal Organism:    
rice, tobacco
Research Interests:    
Plant biophysics and cell biology; control of gene expression, cell-to-cell communication via plasmodesmata.
Research Description:    
Development of a microinjection system that allows the introduction of foreign molecules into the cytosol of vacuolated plant cells. This system is currently being optimized using finefly luciferase mRNA. A Hamamatsu VIM photon counting unit is used to quantify the extent of mRNA expression since this system can count individual photons emitted from injected cells. Once the system has been perfected we can use the protocol to investigate a wide range of questions relating to the influence of regulation genes on biophysical processes in plant cells.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Using our microinjection system we should be able to produce homogenic plants for any species that can be regenerated from suspension culture or microspore-derived embryos.

 
Luciw     Paul A.     Position:  Associate Professor     Phone:  5307523430     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Pathology
Principal Organism:    
Retrovirus,mammalcult.cells,rhesusmonkey,domes.cat
Research Interests:    
Virology; Viral Pathogensis; transcriptional regulation; non-human primates; AIDS; vaccines
Research Description:    
Dr. Paul Luciw has extensive experience in many aspects of virology, cell biology, and molecular biology. The main emphasis of his research is on basic molecular mechanisms that regulate replication of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). A major aim is to identify viral determinants of latency, persistence, and pathogenesis in non-human primate model systems (i.e., rhesus monkeys). Goals of this research are to identify functional domains on viral proteins and to identify cellular proteins interacting with these functional domains. An important component of Dr. Luciw's research involves the testing and development of recombinant anti-viral vaccines in the SIV/monkey and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)/cat model systems; these studies are directly relevant for the development of vaccines against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Genetic engineering methods are also being used to design SIV vectors expressing cytokine genes; such viral vectors will be tested in rhesus monkeys for pathogenesis or attenuation. Through collaborative studies, Dr. Luciw's laboratory is testing the novel method of DNA munization in rhesus monkeys inoculated with plasmid vectors expressing SIV antigens. Goals of this research are to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms that account for induction of anti-viral immune responses after DNA immunization.
Grants:    
NIH-NIAID, NIH-DRR, AmFAR
Applications:    
Development of retroviral vectors for vaccination, therapeutics, and gene transfer.

 
Manning     JaRue S.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307522626     E-mail
Department:    
Microbiology
Principal Organism:    
Virus, Insect, Baculoviru
Research Interests:    
Gene Expression (Viral); Structure/Function Relationships (Viral); Metabolism (Viral); Stress Processes/Stress Protection (Microbial); Production Efficiency (Plant)
Research Description:    
Molecular biology of insect virus Autographa californica (nuclear polyhedrosis virus); cloning and sequencing viral structural genes; molecular organization of structural proteins emphasizing enhancement of virus stability, host range, and virulence; production of monoclonal antibodies to structural proteins.
Grants:    
Applications:    
Analysis of Structure (Protein, DNA); Production Efficiency Technologies (Plant)

 
Matsumura     Fumio     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307524251     E-mail
Department:    
Environmental Toxicology
Principal Organism:    
Rat, mice, cockroach, gui
Research Interests:    
Biochemical toxicology; environmental toxicology of pesticides; toxicology of pollutants and risk assessment; studies on biologically active substances; microbial degradation of toxic chemicals; entomology - toxicology
Research Description:    
Research activities are in two basic areas: studies on the mode of actions of pesticides, particularly chlorinated and pyrethroid pesticides; and studies on the mechanism of toxic effects of dioxin type chemicals. This research includes: 1) studies on long term and subtle effects of these chemicals on immune systems., and cell development, differentiation proliferation. 2) Elucidation of the mechanisms by which these chemicals cause cancer. 3) Establishing biomarkers for these chemicals. 4) Mechanistic studies to elucidate why these chemicals cause deleterious effects.
Grants:    
NIEHS ES05233;ES05707;P42-ES04699; EPA CR819658-01;
Applications:    
NIEHS, "Biochemical Causes for TCDD-Induced Endometriosis," 7/1/99-6/30/04, $1,064,544

 
Matthews     Harry R.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523570     E-mail
Department:    
MED: Bio Chem
Principal Organism:    
Saccharomyces cerevisiae,yeast, human platelets
Research Interests:    
Protein Kinases, signal transduction
Research Description:    
Working in the area of signal transduction in yeast and higher eukaryotes, we have discovered and purified a novel protein kinase that phosphorylates histidine residues in histone H4. This kinase is the first eukaryotic protein whose activity is regulated by phosphorylation on histidine. The working hypothesis is that this enzyme is a novel cancer suppressor. Current studies include cloning the gene for the histidine kinase and identifying its cellular substrates. One novel substrate has been cloned and is being studied intensively.
Grants:    
NSF,American Cancer Socie
Applications:    
Cancer chemotherapy

 
May     Bernie     Position:  Director, Gen. Var. Lab     Phone:  5307548123     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Science
Principal Organism:    
fish, fungi, birds, mamma
Research Interests:    
I am interested in the application of molecular genomic markers to document and quantify individual, population, and species level genetic variation and the structure of genomes (linkage mapping and gene copy number).
Research Description:    
My research over the past two decades has centered around the use of discrete Mendelian data from allozyme analysis to answer specific biological questions. My interests are broad based, including studies of genomic structure, population analysis, mixed stock analysis, genomic manipulation, effects of non-indigenous species/populations, and isolate identification. While my published research has focused heavily on salmonid fishes and commercial mushrooms, I have worked on over 100 other taxa as well (fish, fungi, birds, mammals, plants, and invertebrates). This research has involved riverine, marine tidal, lacustrine, and terrestrial systems. One of my primary roles has been to provide a genetics perspective to the collaborative projects with which I have been involved. During the past two years I have added to my allozyme lab a non-radioisotope DNA facility where we have people doing RAPDs, AFLPs, restriction digestion of PCR sequences, single locus microsatellites, multi-locus fingerprinting, etc. to study questions in social behavior, cell line authentication, population structuring, subspecies identification, systematics, and maintenance of genetic variation in small isolated populations. One of my current interests is exploring the use of single microsatellite locus data to address questions in conservation biology regarding the "genetic health" and "genetic integrity" of natural populations, questions which have not been sufficiently addressable with allozyme data. Examples of these questions include: How do we identify populations for preservation?, How do we measure loss of genetic variability?, What remnants of native populations remain after extensive stocking with non-indigenous populations or how different must two populations be for them to be maintained and managed separately?
Grants:    
CA Dept Water Res; CA Dep
Applications:    
Population subdivision, species diagnosis and cultivor (isolate) ID for patent purposes

 
McCoy     Benjamin J.     Position:  Prof/Assoc Dean Res     Phone:  5307521435     E-mail
Department:    
Chem Eng & Mat Science
Principal Organism:    
Microbe, plant
Research Interests:    
Separation processes: chromatography, extraction and purification, optimization and scale-up, environmental engineering.Chemical reaction engineering: adsorption and reaction, supercritical fluid processes, reactor dynamics, kinetics and transport phenom
Research Description:    
Chromatographic separations for biotechnology (affinity, HPLC, gel filtration); design and analysis of bioreactors (scale-up, mass transfer, kinetics) Separation processes: chromatography, extraction and purifiction, optimization and scale-up, environmental engineering. Chemical reaction engineering: adsorption and reaction, supercritical fluid processes, reactor dynamics, kinetics and transport phenomena.
Grants:    
NSF, NATO, Dept. of Energy, EPA
Applications:    
Bioprocess Technology (Product Separations and Recovery)

 
McDonald     Karen     Position:  Prof./Asst. Dean (acting)     Phone:  5307528314     E-mail
Department:    
Chem Eng & Mat Science
Principal Organism:    
Anabena 7120, T.kirilowii, N. tabacum, M. oreganus
Research Interests:    
Bioprocess modelling and control; plant cell cultures, cyanobacteria cultures
Research Description:    
Prof. Karen McDonald's group is investigating the production of pharmacologically important proteins from plant cell cultures. The research group is studying plant cell cultures of Trichosanthes kirilowii, a member of rhe Cucurbitaceae family found in China, Japan and Korea. This plant is of particular interest since it is a source of proteins known as ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) which have a variety of potentially useful pharmaceutical activities such as antiviral, antitumor, antidiabetic, abortifacient and immunomodulatory. The research group is investigating the kinetics of growth, quantification and characterization of intercellular proteins from plant cells cultures and the influences of important bioreactor variables on RIP productivity using naturally and genetically transformed tobacco cell lines. The ultimate goal of the research is the determination of optimal bioreactor operating strategies to maximize production of functional proteins from these cultures and to characterize new potential therapeutic proteins. In addition, her group is developing strategies for maximizing foreign protein production in bioreactor systems utilizing transgenic plant suspension cultures. She and her students are also studying techiniques for recovery of RIPs targeted to the apoplast of transgenic tobacco plants. An alternative approach that we are pursuing for heterologous protein production in plant cell suspension cultures is the use of recombinant plant viruses in conjunction with plant suspension cultures. This approach offers the potential advantages of high level transient expression, a short production time line (since there is no need to generate transgenic plants and/or select high-level expression transformants), and versatility (many different virus and plant cell line combinations can be envisioned). In our work, we are using tobacco mosaic virus (wild type as well as recombinant virus containing the gene for green fluorescent protein) in conjunction with tobacco host cells to determine if virus infection, replication and foreign gene expression can be established in callus, suspension cultures and/or protoplasts.
Grants:    
BioSTAR, USDA, NSF
Applications:    
Bioprocess Technology; Cell Culture (Microbial, Plant)

 
McDonald     Roger B.     Position:  Assoc. Professor     Phone:  5307524814     E-mail
Department:    
Nutrition
Principal Organism:    
Research Interests:    
Nutritional and metabolic factors that affect the aging process.
Research Description:    
Research focuses primarily on nutritional and metabolic factors that affect the aging process. Recent investigations have demonstrated that the amount and type of dietary carbohydrate has a significant effect on the life span. These differences in survival appear to reflect an interaction between oxidative stress and the glycation of intracellular proteins. We are currently evaluating the possibility that an organism's susceptibility to oxidative stress may be influences by dietary carbohydrate; and that by using this model we can evaluate if such a susceptibility is the primary mechanism that determines life span as well as underlies much of the phenomenology of aging. In addition to research on life span and diet composition, this lab uses the pancreatic b-cell as model for cellular aging. Recent investigations have been designed to evaluate possible age and diet-related alterations in components of the calcium mediated signal transduction pathway of the b-cell including: membrane potential, voltage-sensitive Ca++ channels, and intracellular second messengers such as cAMP and protein kinase C. These components of the b-cell's stimulus/secretion coupling mechanism are investigated using digital fluorescence microscopy and 3 dimensional confocal microscopy. As a community nutritionist, research is focused on the food services programs for the elderly (congregate and home delivered meals). In collaboration with the Area Agencies on Aging and the State Department of Aging, research has begun to evaluate the effectiveness of delivery services of rural vs. urban elderly participating in the meal program.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Meares     Claude F.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307520936     E-mail
Department:    
Chemistry
Principal Organism:    
E coli
Research Interests:    
Biophysical Chemistry, monoclonal antibodies, bacterial gene transcription
Research Description:    
We have recently developed a new reagent for cutting protein molecules. Artificial proteolytic reagents which are directed by proximity rather than by residue type represent a new approach which could be employed for sequence analysis, functional analysis of structural domains, or determining the spatial arrangement of subunits within a supramolecular structure. In our laboratories, site-specific cleavage of proteins is achieved by introducing a metal-binding site at one position in a polypeptide chain. The amino acids at the site of cleavage are detected unaltered; the reaction has the same result as cleavage by a proteolytic enzyme. We have several long-standing projects in the area of monoclonal antibody technology, which allows the specificity of an antibody for its antigen to be used in targeting cancer cells. The conjugation of metals - particularly radionuclides, such as 90Y or 67Cu - to monoclonal antibodies results in agents for radioimmunotherapy and other medical applications. In addition to our work on the chemistry of monoclonal antibodies for cancer diagnosis and therapy, we are pursuing research that seeks to improve the understanding of gene expression at the molecular level. This involves preparation of analogs of the natural substrates of RNA polymerase, which contain photoactivatable or protein-cutting groups. These lead to the production of RNA probes that report directly on the surroundings of a growing messenger RNA chain. The results have informed us of the path that nascent ribonucleic acid takes across the surface of the enzyme/DNA complex that catalyzes its synthesis.
Grants:    
CA1686l, GM25909
Applications:    
Metal chelates and monoclonal antibodies, for cancer diagnosis and therapy

 
Medrano     Juan F.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307526786     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Science
Principal Organism:    
Dairy cattle, mice, sturgeon
Research Interests:    
Animal genomics
Research Description:    
Characterization of genes determining the fatty acid and protein composition of milk. Mapping and ID of the high growth gene in mice. ID of sex specific DNA markers in sturgeon and rainbow trout
Grants:    
Applications:    
Genetic improvement of nutritional composition and manufacturing properties of milk. Understanding of the control of animal growth. Molecular sexing of fish

 
Meeks     John C.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307523346     E-mail
Department:    
Microbiology
Principal Organism:    
Nostoc Punctiforme; Anthoceros punctatus
Research Interests:    
Gene Expression (Microbial); Metabolism (Symbiotic Interactions)
Research Description:    
The overall goal of my research is to identify and manipulate regulating differential gene expression in cyanobacteria, especially in the context of cellular differentiation.
Grants:    
NSF, USDA, DOE
Applications:    
Gene Manipulation (microbial)

 
Meizel     Stanley     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307527108     E-mail
Department:    
Cell Bio/Human Anatomy
Principal Organism:    
Human , mouse, and Porcine
Research Interests:    
The Molecular and Cellular events of Mammalian Fertilization
Research Description:    
In order to fertilize the egg, mammalian sperm must first undergo the acrosome reaction (AR), a fusion and vesiculation of sperm head membranes. My lab is investigating both the initiators of this exocytotic event and the molecular changes in sperm stimulated by those initiators. In vitro studies of human sperm , porcine sperm and mouse sperm are now being emphasized. Techniques used include indirect immunofluorescence, spectroflurometric assays and video/image analysis of ion changes, affinity chromatography, Western blots, and molecular cloning. Present investigations include elucidation of the mechanisms by which the steroid progesterone (a putative in vivo AR initiator) stimulates sperm calcium influx and chloride efflux via interaction with unique plasma membrane steroid receptors. This work includes characterization of the receptors including one which resembles a neuronal GABAA receptor/chloride channel. We are also investigating the importance of chloride flux to the AR initiated by the egg zona pellucida, a glycoprotein envelope considered to be an in vivo initiator of the AR. This work includes characterization of a putative sperm glycine receptor/chloride channel that we believe is essential for the zona-initiated AR.
Grants:    
HD-23098; HD 33368
Applications:    

 
Michailides     Themis J     Position:  Plant Pathologist     Phone:  5596466500     E-mail
Department:    
Plant Pathology
Principal Organism:    
Monilinia fructicola
Research Interests:    
Fungal disease management of above-ground diseases and postharvest diseases of fruit and nut crops
Research Description:    
There are currently two main research efforts. One aspect deals with basic studies of the ecology and the epidemiology of foliar and postharvest fruit and nut tree diseases. The second aspect addresses applied postharvest and tree disease control methods by using information generated from his basic research work. The overall goals of this basic research effort are to understand the ecology and epidemiology of fruit and nut tree pathogens, to develop plant disease concepts related to tree pathology, and apply these concepts for disease control. Current projects in 1994 research include: 1) Completion of aflatoxin studies in pistachio and initiation of aflatoxin investigation in walnuts and figs; 2) Identification of mechanism of the influence of nitrogen fertilization on the susceptibility of nectarines to brown rot pathogen, Monilinia fructicola; 3) Explanation of the mechanism of the biocontrol activity of Paecilomyces lilacinus in caprifigs and Calimyrna figs; 4) Improvement of the control methods of Alternaria late blight of pistachio; 5) Implementation of reducing dust in Calimyrna fig orchards to decrease fig smut; 6) Perfection of cultural and chemical control approaches for controlling Botrytis gray mold of kiwifruit caused by Botrytis cinerea; and determination of the changes in the populations of Monilinia species in prune orchards and their chemical control with preharvest applications.
Grants:    
Applications:    

 
Michelmore     Richard W.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307521729     E-mail
Department:    
Vegetable Crops
Principal Organism:    
Lettuce, Bremia lactucae
Research Interests:    
Classical and molecular genetics of plant-pathogen interactions.
Research Description:    
Classical and molecular genetics of disease resistance, expecially lettuce down mildew. Transformation of both host and pathogen (Bremia lactucae under development). Genetic mapping using molecular markers. The research program is centered on lettuce and has both fundamental and applied components. It acts as the interface between molecular techniques being developed in other crops and classical lettuce improvement programs. Much of our effort is focused on classical and molecular genetics of disease resistance. This involves germplasm screens for resistance to several pathogens and introgression of resistance into cultivated genetypes as well as an extensive m ap-based cloning program for isolating and characterizing disease resistance genes and development of molecular marker technologies. Over the past ten years we have identified more than ten new resistance genes that are in various stages of introgression. We have interacted closely with several of the other trainer's laboratories (FB, CQ, DStC, PR, PG) in developing and applying marker technologies for crop improvement. The classical genetic studies are also the foundation of our molecular studies. We have saturated several regions containing clusters of resistance genes with markers, isolated deletion mutants and are developing a long-range restriction map of the largest cluster. We have developed a BAC library, and have a routine transformation system of lettuce mediated by Agrobacterium. Ultimately, rsistance genes will be manipulated to determine how a plant defends itself against diverse challenges and to produce resistance tgenes with novel specificities and modes of action. In addition to disease resistance, we are also interested in modifying plant type, particularly in slowing the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth (bolting), and in the genetics of root development. In addition, we wish to reduce post-harvest losses and allow the development of non-disease related aspects and utilize information being generated in Arabidopsis. We are particularly interested in the genes being cloned that influence bolting in Aribidopsis.
Grants:    
USDA, Lettuce Research, N
Applications:    
Gene Manipulation (Plant, Fungal); Analysis of Structure (DNA, RNA, Protein); Bioprocess (Plant Tissue Culture): Production Efficiency Technologies (Disease Prevention)

 
Molinski     Tadeusz F.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307526358     E-mail
Department:    
Chemistry
Principal Organism:    
Porifera, Ascidians, Bact
Research Interests:    
Structure elucidation of marine natural products. Biosynthesis of biologically active marine natural products.
Research Description:    
Isolation and Characterization of Natural Products . Biosynthesis of Secondary Metabolites (Natural Products) in Tropical Marine Sponges.Antifungals and AIDS related opportunistic infections.
Grants:    
NIH AI-03660 AJ-39987
Applications:    
Biotechnology, Production of Pharmaceuticals, Therapeutics for AIDS. Opportunistic Infections

 
Murphy     Terence M.     Position:  Professor     Phone:  5307522413     E-mail
Department:    
Plant Biology
Principal Organism:    
Rosa damascena, Nicotiana
Research Interests:    
Plant cell culture: genetics and physiology; Plant Stress physiology (ultraviolet light and pathogens); membrane transport in plant cells; DNA repair; oxygen metabolism
Research Description:    
My laboratory is studying the perturbation of membrane functions in ultraviolet light-irradiated, cultured rose cells. The problems include identifying the light receptor, the signal transmitters, the channels for ion trans-membrane transport and the mechanism of superoxide synthesis, and processes leading to programmed cell death. We are performing similar studies on cells stimulated by fungal elicitors. A third study characterizes an enzyme thought to be involved in repairing UV-damage to DNA. Purification of the enzyme is proceeding with the objective of identifying the gene for the enzyme.
Grants:    
USDA (CSRS)
Applications:    
Identification of mechanisms involved in protection of plants against ultraviolet light-induced damage and fungal invasion.

 
Murray     James     Position:  Professor/Director     Phone:  5307523179     E-mail
Department:    
Animal Science/Gen. Engr. Large Animal Center
Principal Organism:    
mouse
Research Interests:    
Control of gene expression during development of differentiated tissues.
Research Description:    
Current research interests are: 1) the study of mechanisms by which growth hormone (GH) controls linear bone growth, lipid deposition and lipid composition during post-natal and post-pubertal growth, 2) the application of transgenic technology to alter the composition of milk, and 3) the development of antisense RNA or catalytic RNA producing transgenes for use in obtaining developmentally and tissue-specific down-regulated expression of targeted gene products. All three of these areas depend upon the production and us