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Analysis of the Function and Biogenesis of the Contractile Vacuole in Dictyostelium Discoideum
John Bush, PhD,

Department of Biology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The Bush laboratory is studying the role of a particular GTPase (Rab11) in the biogenesis of the Dictyostelium discodieum contractile vacuole to provide insight into how more complex animal systems have evolved to maintain water and ion homeostasis within the organism.

Pre-requisite courses: None

Bioinformatics students:  Yes

Computational Modeling of the 3-D Structure of Protein Molecules

Jerry Darsey, PhD

Department of Chemistry, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The work performed in the laboratory of Jerry Darsey involves several aspect of bioinformatics. One major area involves the conformational prediction of the 3-D structure of protein molecules.  Given the large volume of genes being sequenced, the rate of new protein sequences is growing exponentially relative to the rate of protein structures being solved by experimental methods. In many situations, an approximate model can help an experimentalist significantly in guiding there experiments. Although current methods are still in their infancy, prediction of structures for all protein sequences of complete genomes in conjunction with experimental work would have tremendous potential for developing new drug molecules for treating diseases. Drug design would also be greatly enhanced with the ability to predict the drug-protein interaction.  Structural analyses on demand of proteins for further mutagenesis, substrate and inhibitor design, and enhanced function and stability is also possible, as is analysis of basic functional behavior on demand using time-tested methods such as molecular dynamics simulations. These methods can use structural data and techniques for structure prediction to probe protein and organismal function and evolution. 

Pre-requisite courses: None

Bioinformatics students:  Yes

Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in Plant Metabolism
Stephen Grace, PhD
Department of Biology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Current research interests of the Grace laboratory focus on the biochemistry of reactive oxygen and reactive nitrogen species. On-going studies include plant bioenergetics and the chemical ecology of secondary plant metabolites.

Pre-requisite courses: None

Bioinformatics students:  No

Molecular mechanisms of photoprotection in Synechocystis PCC 6803
Qingfang He, PhD

Department of Applied Science, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

The He laboratory is studying the molecular mechanisms by which cells cope with intracellular reactive oxygen species. Currently we are focusing on a family of four high-light-inducible polypeptides (HLIP) encoded by hli genes in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. These polypeptides accumulate under a variety of stress conditions, and they are required for survival when the cyanobacterial cells are exposed to high intensity light. The exact mechanism of HLIP action and the function of these polypeptides in survival during exposure to high light are not clearly understood. Several important questions are being addressed. These include how hli genes are regulated, whether HLIPs form complexes, and what are the roles of HLIPs in cell survival. The approaches being used combine genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics tools. The He laboratory is also interested in developing microalgae as platforms for production of plant pharmaceuticals, and for biofuels.
Pre-requisite courses: None
Bioinformatics students: Yes
 

Biomechanical Modeling and Control of Movement
Kamran Iqbal, PhD
Department of Systems Engineering, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Research interests of the Iqbal laboratory lie in the area of biomechanics including a) biomechanical modeling and computer simulation of human movement, b) modeling of proprioceptive feedback motor servo loop, c) postural stability and fall prevention, c) optimization of human voluntary movement, and e) movement learning and adaptation.

Pre-requisite courses:  Dynamics

Bioinformatics students:  Yes

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