Scientists at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine have determined how an enzyme essential for energy metabolism functions, solving a mystery eluding molecular biologists for decades.
Matthew Gentry, Ph.D, and Craig Vander Kooi, Ph.D, associate professors of molecular and cellular biochemistry, and researcher Madushi Raththagala, Ph.D, recently discovered the role of the enzyme laforin in modifying human glycogen and thereby preventing neurodegeneration.
Two independent groups of researchers led by Sidney "Wally" Whiteheart, PhD, at the University of Kentucky, and Dr. Charles Lowenstein, at the University of Rochester, have published important studies exploring the role that a gene called STXBP5 plays in the development of cardiovascular disease.
According to Whiteheart, previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified a gene called STXBP5 as a factor that regulates a protein called Von Willebrand factor (VWF).
VWF is an important contributor to normal blood clotting.
A team of investigators has made a thought-provoking discovery about a type of cholesterol previously believed to be a "bad guy" in the development of heart disease and other conditions.
Jason Meyer, a University of Kentucky M.D.-Ph.D.
The University of Kentucky's Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) on the Molecular Basis of Human Disease was recently awarded a third phase of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding for a program to develop its research community and center dedicated to human disease.
With this new $1.25 million annual grant, UK's COBRE will build upon achievements of a research development program that initially received NIH support in 2004.
University of Kentucky associate professor Dr. Matthew Gentry, a biochemist who studies the very basic makeup of living things, can count very few "Eureka!" moments in his scientific career.
Dr. Matthew Gentry, associate professor of molecular and cellular biochemistry, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Thomas Maciag Award from the National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Research Resources. Dr. Gentry received this honor in recognition of his many research accomplishments focused on understanding glucan phosphatases in neurological disease and in plant biofuels research.
Scientists at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine have gained a new understanding of an enzyme essential for breaking down plant starch, a process used in agriculture, manufacturing and biotechnology.
Dr. Matthew Gentry and Dr. Craig Vander Kooi, associate professors of molecular and cellular biochemistry at the University of Kentucky, and graduate student David Meekins, have decoded the natural process plants use to break down starch.
Dr. Rebecca Dutch has accepted the newly created position of Associate Dean for Biomedical Education, effective October 1, 2013. Dr. Dutch will oversee graduate biomedical education within the College, working with the new Office for Biomedical Education and existing programs to ensure continued educational excellence. She will also direct on-going educational efforts for post-doctoral scholars within the College. Finally, Dr.
Doug Andres presents the first annual Robert L. Lester award to doctoral candidate, David Meekins. This award was established to honor Professor Robert L. Lester for his seminal contributions to research, education and service.
You may not know the human metapneumovirus by name, but chances are that you have met somewhere before.
HMPV, as it's known to virologists, is a common respiratory virus that new studies suggest is second only to influenza in the number of viral pneumonia cases it causes worldwide every year. Especially dangerous for small children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system, the virus strikes almost 100 percent of people on Earth at some point in their lives.
You may not know the human metapneumovirus by name, but chances are that you have met somewhere before.
HMPV, as it's known to virologists, is a common respiratory virus that new studies suggest is second only to influenza in the number of viral pneumonia cases it causes worldwide every year. Especially dangerous for small children, the elderly, and anyone with a compromised immune system, the virus strikes almost 100 percent of people on Earth at some point in their lives.
Archaeal nucleosome positioning in vivo and in vitro is directed by primary sequence motifs
Congratulations to Yvonne Fondufe-Mittendorf for their recent honor of being recognized by the F1000 for their recently published article. This is an honor as F1000Prime identifies and recommends important articles in biology and medical research publications.
Two University of Kentucky faculty members were honored on April 25 with awards recognizing their outstanding contributions to teaching and scholarship at UK.
Sidney W. Whiteheart, professor of molecular and cellular biochemistry in the UK College of Medicine, was awarded the 2013 Albert D. and Elizabeth H.
Tianyan Gao showed Micah Fowler, 13, center, and other Boyle County seventh-graders how to analyze DNA in the lab using a protocol called gel electrophoresis. The demonstration Tuesday was part of Meet the Researchers Day at the University of Kentucky Biomedical/Biological Sciences Research Building. Carroll County Middle School students also attended. Schools in the region participated in a fundraiser called Pennies for Patients for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Fundamentals of Biochemistry is designed for undergraduate and graduate students whose educational needs can be best satisfied by a one-semester biochemistry course. Introductory chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology are prerequisites for enrollment in BCH401G. BCH401G will introduce students to the general families of biomolecules that comprise biochemistry and the principles that integrate biochemistry with other chemical and biological disciplines.
Questions? Please contact David Watt, Course Director at dwatt@uky.edu
Congratulations to Sam Turco, Ph.D. for outstanding instructor in a first-year course. This marks the sixth year in a row that Dr. Turco has won this prestigious award (2007-2012).