Research in my lab is focused on understanding how signaling events control cell fate. Studying these processes in single cells reveals remarkable cell-to-cell variability in response to stimuli, even among genetically identical cells in a uniform environment. We seek to understand the causes and consequences of this heterogeneity in the cellular response to stimuli. The stimuli we study include growth factors, cell stress, and targeted cancer therapeutics. To do this, we develop genetically encoded fluorescent sensors for signaling events of interest. We then use long-term live-cell microscopy and cell tracking to quantify the dynamics of upstream signals and link them to cell fate (proliferation, quiescence, apoptosis, differentiation). Our long-term goal is to understand the normal mechanistic functioning of signaling pathways that control proliferation, to understand how these signals go awry in cancer, and eventually to alter the fate of individual cells.
keywords
single-cell heterogeneity, time-lapse microscopy, cancer biology, systems biology, cell biology, cell cycle, signal transduction
BCHM 3400 - Mechanisms of Cancer
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
This course is devoted to the mechanisms that drive cancer, with an emphasis on how the biochemistry of normal cells teaches us how regulation goes awry in cancer cells. The course will include an analysis of historical and current developments in cancer biology. Topics covered: principles of transformation, viral and cellular oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, signal transduction, cell cycle, cell death, DNA damage and repair, cancer genetics, cancer genomics, cancer risk factors, carcinogens, chemotherapies, targeted therapies, drug resistance, modern technologies in cancer research.
BCHM 4740 - Biochemistry of Gene Transmission, Expression and Regulation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2023
Covers biosynthesis and function of macromolecules including DNA, RNA and proteins; molecular basis of replication, transcription and translation; biochemistry of subcellular systems; signaling and regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes; and special topics. Formerly CHEM 4740. Same as BCHM 5740.
BCHM 5740 - Biochemistry of Gene Transmission, Expression and Regulation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2020 / Spring 2023
Covers biosynthesis and function of macromolecules including DNA, RNA and proteins; molecular basis of replication, transcription and translation; biochemistry of subcellular systems; signaling and regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes; and special topics. Formerly CHEM 5740. Same as BCHM 4740.
BCHM 5801 - Advanced Signal Transduction and Cell Cycle Regulation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Lect. Advanced discussion of current research and literature in signal transduction, including ligands, receptors, and intracellular signaling pathways, as well as control on transcription, chromatin structure, DNA replication, mitosis, and cell cycle progression. Recommended prerequisites: CHEM 5771 and CHEM 5781 and MCDB 5210 or MCDB 5220. Formerly CHEM 5801.
BCHM 6901 - Research in Biochemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
CHEM 4740 - Biochemistry of Gene Transmission, Expression and Regulation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019
Covers biosynthesis and function of macromolecules including DNA, RNA and proteins; molecular basis of replication, transcription and translation; biochemistry of subcellular systems; signaling and regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes; and special topics. Formerly CHEM 4740. Same as BCHM 5740.
CHEM 5740 - Biochemistry of Gene Transmission, Expression and Regulation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019
Covers biosynthesis and function of macromolecules including DNA, RNA and proteins; molecular basis of replication, transcription and translation; biochemistry of subcellular systems; signaling and regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes; and special topics. Formerly CHEM 5740. Same as BCHM 4740.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2023 / Fall 2024
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. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
