Dr. Batey's research focuses on the structure-function relationships of RNA. The model system that his research group utilizes is the riboswitch, an element found in messenger RNAs that can specifically bind a small molecule to direct gene expression in a cis-fashion. To understand how these genetic regulatory elements work, several aspects of their function are studied using x-ray crystallography to develop three-dimensional models of these RNAs and their complexes with small molecules and a set of biophysical, biochemical and molecular biological and genetic tools to relate ligand binding to gene regulation. A second area of research is understanding the structural and functional relationship to the transcriptome. This work focuses upon the transcription factor Sox2 and its ability to interact with dsRNA. Our current research is focused on two key questions: (1) how does RNA binding govern Sox2's biological activity and (2) do other related proteins have RNA-mediated activities.
BCHM 2700 - Foundations of Biochemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019
Covers chemistry of aqueous solutions; energetics in biology; structure of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and membranes; protein evolution; macromolecular interactions; enzyme kinetics, mechanism and regulation. Will be taught from a strong chemical perspective and mastery of basic concepts of general and organic chemistry will be required. Familiarity with basic concepts of molecular and cellular biology encouraged. Formerly CHEM 4700.
CHEM 4700 - Foundations of Biochemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Covers chemistry of aqueous solutions; energetics in biology; structure of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and membranes; protein evolution; macromolecular interactions; enzyme kinetics, mechanism and regulation. Will be taught from a strong chemical perspective and mastery of basic concepts of organic and physical chemistry will be required. Formerly CHEM 4700. Same as BCHM 5700.
CHEM 5700 - Foundations of Biochemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Covers chemistry of aqueous solutions; energetics in biology; structure of proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and membranes; protein evolution; macromolecular interactions; enzyme kinetics, mechanism and regulation. Will be taught from a strong chemical perspective and mastery of basic concepts of organic and physical chemistry will be required. Formerly CHEM 5700. Same as BCHM 4700.
CHEM 6901 - Research in Chemistry
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Summer 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Summer 2019 / Spring 2020
May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. Open only to MCDB graduate students. May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours.
