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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

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

Improvement of Crop Yield and Nutritional Quality
Hong Li Wang, PhD
Department of Biology, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Work in the Wang laboratory is focused on two projects: (1) Identify important ABC transporters through database mining and analysis, and to elucidate the expression and function of those genes in model plant and their potential functions in human body; (2) identify the genes and their underlying molecular mechanism(s) involved in transfer cell development and functions using advent molecular and functional genomic approaches. Ultimately, we want to provide novel insights for the improvement of crop yield and nutritional quality. My primary research goal is, through combined cellular and molecular analyses, genetic and genomic approaches, to seek the understanding on key biochemical processes, cellular pathways, regulations, interactions and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in transport of assimilates, nutrients, viruses and signals in economically significant plants.

Pre-requisite courses: Molecular Biology

Bioinformatics students:  Yes

Biological Research Using 2D Infrared Laser Spectroscopy and Carbon Nanotubes-Based Sensors
Wei Zhao, PhD,

Department of Chemistry, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Research in the Zhao laboratory focuses on the development of state-of-the-art two-dimensional infrared laser spectroscopy and two-dimensional correlation vibrational spectroscopy for analytical determination of biological variables including pH, glucose, various ions and proteins. We go into a new direction for development of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) based optical biosensors which may be used for optical nanosensors in combination with nanolasers, nano waveguides and nano optical fibers. Based on molecular recognition, enzyme-modified SWNTs for sensing several important metabolic compounds such as glucose, lactate and cholesterol, SWNTs for sensing an antimalarial and anti-cancer drug artemisinin and its radicals triggered by hemoglobin, and three representative biospecific pair systems including single stranded (ss)-DNA hybridization, biotin/streptavidin and calmodulin/Ca²⁺ are investigated by optical measurements.

Pre-requisite courses: None

Bioinformatics students:  Yes

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Mentors at University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Mentors at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

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