A Search-and-Destroy Strategy for Killing Tumors

March 12, 2015 1:24 pm

One of Chemistrys Assistant Professors, Dr. Xiaohua Peng, was featured in the 2015 edition of the UWM Research Report. Current cancer drugs do not distinguish between malignant cells and healthy ones. In order to destroy tumors, drugs must target all... Read more

Read more from the original source:
Chemistry & Biochemistry | College of Letters & Science

Eighty years ago, professor emeritus of biochemistry Boyd ODell began taking classes at MU. Now 100 years old, ODell, who has made many discoveries and inspired generations of colleagues, can still be found in his office in Eckles Hall.

I have some questions I really would like to answer, and Id rather think about answering those questions than retiring, ODell said.

ODell technically retired in 1988, but still does part-time research on campus.

In September, a celebration honoring the 40th anniversary of the biochemistry department served as an early 100th birthday party for ODell. In December, a plaque was unveiled, naming the bridge connecting Schweitzer Hall to the Schlundt Annex the Boyd ODell Bridge of Discovery.

I hope the bridge will be a bridge to the future for all the students and progress will be made in research and learning, ODell said at the unveiling.

Over the years, ODell has served as a mentor and a friend for many of his colleagues and students. Biochemistry professor Judy Wall first met ODell when she joined the MU faculty in 1978.

Hes an incredible gentleman, very professional, a great scholar and a truly kind person, Wall said.

Wall remembers when she and ODell were assigned to evaluate a graduate students grant proposal for a comprehensive exam. This was Walls first time evaluating this type of exam, and the only other female faculty member in the department did not attend their presentations.

I was the sole female faculty member and, you know, a silly person who was in the process of thinking about impressing all of my peers and making sure they didnt think I was an idiot at the evaluations, Wall said. So I was all set for getting this guy because I didnt think his proposal was great.

ODell went first. He discussed the importance of the problem the student had addressed and the strengths of the work before introducing criticism.

That was a wonderful experience for me because I thought thats exactly the way you should do it, Wall said. You have to earn the right to criticize by showing that you understand whats going on and you have to earn the right to begin to make constructive suggestions. Dr. ODell had shown me that was the professional way of going about it.

Wall uses this same approach anytime she has to evaluate anything in a similar manner.

He didnt realize, and I dont think I realized at the time, that he was mentoring me, but he certainly was, Wall said.

ODell decided to pursue education because he admired his teachers, who were his first role models.

I always had an ambition to be a teacher, ODell said. What did a farm boy in Carroll County have as role models? There was two things that I can think of, teacher was the most obvious one, and veterinarian.

ODell was born on a farm outside of Hale, Missouri, on Oct. 14, 1916. Becoming a veterinarian wasnt an option he considered, because it wasnt a financial possibility.

My parents were just poor farmers, and they couldnt help me, he said. I had to pave my way.

The summer after he graduated high school, ODell took an examination to become a teacher.

I passed all subjects with high scores except one, and that was pedagogy, ODell said. I didnt even know what pedagogy was. I suppose its the art of teaching.

That summer, ODell took classes at the University of Central Missouri, which was known as Warrensburg Teachers College at the time. He then began working in a one-room schoolhouse, where he taught first through eighth grade.

It was kind of fun in retrospect, ODell said. And that was in the depths of the Depression, to be paid $50 a month was a very good job. A lot of people were unable to even find a job.

Because he wanted to continue his education, ODell left the grade school after four years.

After a few years I transferred to the university here and got jobs one way or another and was able to support myself, he said.

He wanted to study bacteriology, but MU didnt have a program, so ODell was advised to become a chemistry major.

I worked for Dr. A.G. Hogan, who was my mentor for my Ph.D. At that time, he was interested in a vitamin that now is known as folic acid, ODell said.

ODell went on to work for a pharmaceutical company in Detroit after receiving his degree. With the end of World War II, MU saw an increase in students and invited ODell back to become a professor.

Coming back to Mizzou was kind of an easy choice because that was home. Im a Missourian through and through, ODell said.

ODell then studied the existence of unknown vitamins as an assistant professor.

At that time, an assistant professor was really an assistant to the professor, ODell said. When I became a little further along and had the independence, I still followed the question of, are there still unknown vitamins?

ODell went on to study the role of copper and zinc in the body. Among his discoveries was the revelation that copper deficiencies in animals can cause death through the rupture of the aorta, in the heart.

The opportunity arose for me to go on a sabbatical to Australia, ODell said. And why would I want to go to Australia? If youre interested in copper, its the place to go because much of the soil in Australia is copper-deficient.

In Australia, ODell saw that copper deficiency in sheep can cause symptoms similar to Parkinsons disease. He later observed the same results in rats.

We became interested in zinc deficiency around the same time, ODell said. We found that zinc deficiency in animals stops growth and causes increased subject to disease. Diarrhea is a common complaint of zinc-deficient animals and children.

He then discovered that phytic acid, which appears in plants such as soybeans and corn, can actually impact the way the body absorbs zinc.

Scientists want to know why does zinc deficiency cause these signs and symptoms in humans and animals, ODell said. Ive been interested in trying to solve that question for quite a number of years.

ODell is currently researching the importance of zinc in maintaining calcium channels.

If you think back of all the factors that a cell does, a cell divides, a cell secretes, contracts and carries messages, ODell said. All of this is dependent on a calcium channel, and if you take away zinc, the channel fails and you get all these symptoms. I think that that is the true, fundamental function of zinc to maintain the calcium channel.

ODell and Wall, a professor of biochemistry, have since worked together on a variety of committees and both taught biochemistry to first-year medical students.

He was always incredibly prepared, just beautiful lectures and so absolutely timely, Wall said. He knew the literature and was just great.

Another of ODells colleagues, professor emerita of biochemistry Grace Sun, also spoke of ODells role as a mentor.

Right now, Ive been retired for two years only and hes been retired for many more years, Sun said. I would say that hes a role model for me, and I wish I could do half as much like him.

The two became friends in the 80s, when a colleague Sun had met while working as a visiting professor in Taiwan came to MU to study with ODell.

ODell and his wife used to throw parties around the holidays where they would serve American foods, Sun said.

We loved it because we have a lot of international students and he has always a group of them, Sun said. At the time, he was like a hub for the international students.

Sun says ODell still interacts with colleagues and former research assistants by attending seminars and events on campus.

I remember one time, this must have been four or five years ago, and hes way over 90 and he wrote me an email, Sun said. He read a paper and then he said, Hey, Grace, maybe we can work together to do something on this area. I was so shocked. I was really amazed how he must be reading a lot of papers at home or in his office.

Now, ODell does experiments once or twice a week with cells that are grown in the Life Science Building.

I asked to use the equipment and I think they decided they better volunteer to do some of the work rather than trust me, ODell said with a laugh.

An undergraduate was assigned to help ODell grow and transfer the cells, Wall said.

It came holiday time, and the undergraduate was coming up on holiday, and so instead of imposing on this woman, Boyd decided he would just teach himself how to culture the human tissue culture, and so he did it, Wall said. Every day he would come over and transfer his cells and work with his cells. He walks over form Eckles to the Life Sciences Center and back again and has learned how to do this. What a terrifically fearless person he is when it comes to science.

ODell doesnt just walk across campus; he also walks from his house every time he comes to do research.

Most of my career I rode a bicycle to work, ODell said. I dont have a car, and I dont ride my bicycle anymore that leaves walking. I like walking. I think its good exercise, and I need exercise.

ODells daughter Ann, who lives in Columbia, helps drive him when he needs to go shopping and eats with him every week. ODell has a son, David, who lives in California, as well as four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Outside of science, ODells hobbies include photography and bird-watching.

I was always interested in bird-watching and nature work; I guess that might fall from the science, ODell said. Even when I was teaching at the grade school, I had projects for the kids where wed collect plants.

After 100 years, ODell recognizes the importance of lifelong learning and following ones interests.

I think you should, in general even beyond science, you should pick a job or do what you have a real passion for, ODell said. I think if you really are keenly interested in it you will be successful.

Edited by Kyle LaHucik | klahucik@themaneater.com

Go here to read the rest:
Biochemistry professor continues to follow passions at 100 years old - The Maneater

BREVARD February 3, 2017 Scientist, educator, conservationist, Dr. Benjamin Moseley (Mo) Waite, a native of Western North Carolina, died February 3, 2017 at the age of 80. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Helen; his daughters Noni Waite-Kucera (Greg) and Meggan Hartman (Brody); his son Alex Waite (Kelley); his grandchildren Walter, Cecilia, Solomon, Emory and Addy; and his brother-in-law Joe Huber (husband of Mariella Davidson Waite) and many beloved extended family members. After spending his early childhood in Winter Park, Florida, Dr. Waite graduated from Rollins College in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He continued his studies at Duke University, and in 1963 he obtained his Ph.D. in biochemistry. After postdoctoral fellowships at Duke University and in The Netherlands, he joined the faculty as an assistant professor at Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1968. He became the chairman of biochemistry in 1978, a position that he continued to fulfill until his retirement in 1998. He made tremendous contributions in the field of lipid biochemistry, including a landmark publication, "The Phospholipases." He trained and was a mentor of numerous graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who have subsequently established successful research careers in both academics and industry. To his 5 grandchildren, he was known as MoMo, a gentle mountain of a grandfather, who was always ready with a big-armed hug, a meaningful question, a heart-to-heart discussion, or a bristly-bearded kiss. In 1950 Mo's parents, Dr. Alex and Hannah Waite, chartered Eagle's Nest Camp, originally founded in 1927, as a non-profit educational organization in Pisgah Forest, NC. Mo continued the legacy by serving on the board of trustees for over 35 years. He also helped found Carolina Camps for Children with Diabetes, providing life-changing opportunities for children to learn to manage their illness in a camp setting. He loved returning to his summer home in Maine to tend to his "deer-loved" vegetable garden and his relationships with friends and community. Mo loved the natural, bold beauty of Maine, and together with Helen, committed themselves to protecting and conserving its natural habitats. Moseley served on the board of Directors of the Downeast Coastal Conservancy for over 10 years, which, since its founding, has protected 6,330 acres of land, watersheds, islands and 62 miles of shoreline in Washington County. Scientist, ceramicist, furniture maker, gardener, pickler, blueberry farmer, white water paddler, world traveler, bibliophile; Mo's interests and talents ranged as wide as the circle of people who respected and loved him. Together Mo and Helen crafted a beautiful ship of lifeeach taking a turn as the mast and the rudder. Thousands of campers, students, faculty, professional peers, friends, extended family will continue to be touched by their joyful and inspiring journey through life. A celebration of his life will be held on February 25 in the Brevard, NC area. For details visit http://memorialwebsites.legacy.com/MoWaite/homepage.aspx. Gifts in his memory may be made to Eagle's Nest Foundation, Pisgah Forest, NC or The Downeast Coastal Conservancy, Machias, ME.

See the original post:
Waite, Benjamin Moseley (Mo) - Winston-Salem Journal

February 7, 2017 by Brandi Klingerman Professor Paul Huber. Credit: University of Notre Dame

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins are small peptides that get added on to other proteins to regulate their activity. While SUMO has many regulatory roles in cells, it is especially important for controlling gene expression during early development. Just a few years ago this connection between SUMO and gene regulation was relatively unknown, but now, Notre Dame researchers are exploring how a disruption to the SUMO protein's ability to regulate embryo development may be linked to congenital heart defects.

Paul Huber, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and Norman Dovichi, the Grace-Rupley Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, are working together to understand the role of all proteins in embryo development using Xenopus laevis or the African claw frog. This species is known for having a similar gene structure to that of the human genome, meaning that findings related to this species have the potential to provide a deep understanding about human diseases.

When discussing their research, Dovichi said, "In 2014, Huber and I completed a study using Xenopus laevis embryos to understand how more than 4,000 proteins fluctuate during the different stages of development. We found that certain proteins spike or lower during specific stages. For example, a number of proteins that are used during the creation of cardiovascular tissue rose during stage 13, when organs develop."

In these early experiments, Huber found that when SUMO activity was repressed, many of the embryos had two predominate phenotypes, one of which was heart defects. Then, new studies began linking mutations in SUMO protein to heart failure as well as congenital heart defects. This is when the Notre Dame researchers began to develop the next steps for their research.

"At the time, there was not a lot of information about the role of the SUMO protein, but our theory was that it was critical for proper development of the heart," said Huber. "To study the protein's specific impact, we inhibited SUMO activity in the developing cardiovascular tissue. This will allow us to compare the proteome or all of the proteins that are expressed by a cell of the defective hearts with their normal counterparts."

To support the research, Olivia Cox, a Notre Dame graduate student, collaborated with Daniel Weeks, professor of biochemistry and pediatrics at the University of Iowa, and identified three predominate heart defects in the SUMO-deficient hearts: septal defects commonly thought of as holes in the heart abnormal turning of the outflow tract, and noncompaction cardiomyopathy.

The goal of this research is to use the proteome comparisons to specifically identify which proteins are responsible for congenital heart defects. Additionally, Huber, affiliated with the Harper Cancer Research Institute (HCRI) and the Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Dovichi, affiliated with Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics as well as the HCRI, plan to continue exploring the SUMO protein's significance in other areas of embryo development. This research could help explain why other development defects arise, and eventually lead to a solution for increasing SUMO protein expression when a mutation occurs.

Explore further: SUMO-snipping protein plays crucial role in T and B cell development

More information: Liangliang Sun et al. Quantitative proteomics of Xenopus laevis embryos: expression kinetics of nearly 4000 proteins during early development, Scientific Reports (2014). DOI: 10.1038/srep04365

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins are small peptides that get added on to other proteins to regulate their activity. While SUMO has many regulatory roles in cells, it is especially important for controlling gene ...

Of the more than 700,000 Americans who suffer a heart attack each year, about a quarter go on to develop heart failure. Scientists don't fully understand how one condition leads to the other, but researchers in the Perelman ...

An anticancer agent in development promotes regeneration of damaged heart muscle 0- an unexpected research finding that may help prevent congestive heart failure in the future.

A higher volume of a certain type of fat that surrounds the heart is significantly associated with a higher risk of heart disease in women after menopause and women with lower levels of estrogen at midlife, according to new ...

Generating mature and viable heart muscle cells from human or other animal stem cells has proven difficult for biologists. Now, Johns Hopkins researchers report success in creating them in the laboratory by implanting stem ...

Researchers have grown heart tissue by seeding a mix of human cells onto a 1-micron-resolution scaffold made with a 3-D printer. The cells organized themselves in the scaffold to create engineered heart tissue that beats ...

Please sign in to add a comment. Registration is free, and takes less than a minute. Read more

Originally posted here:
Sumo protein explored as likely source for some congenital heart defects - Medical Xpress

The oldest interdepartmental program at Wellesley College, the biochemistry department (BIOC), celebrates its 50th anniversary this academic year. Founded during a time marked by dramatic discoveries in the life sciences, the department is today regarded as an interface between biology and chemistry. In light of its anniversary, the department has held two events thus far, including a kickoff event organized by Professor Don Elmore and the 4th Annual Biological Chemistry Research Retreat, which was incorporated into the celebrations.

The kickoff event, held on Dec. 13, 2016, featured panel discussions on the programs history with renowned Professors Mary Allen and Dot Widmayer, and Sonja Hicks, Professor Emerita. It also included talks by six recent alumnae: Shloka Ananthanarayanan 08, Eleanor Fleming 08, Kate Lipford 08, Natalya Maharaj 09, Tracy Wang 10 and Ruth Wangondu 07. The discussions covered various topics and perspectives related to revolutionizing research since the founding of the department at Wellesley.

To continue the celebration, the Research Retreat was held just before the beginning of the semester on Jan. 23, 2017. According to Professor T. Kaye Peterman, the director of the biochemistry department, the event was an opportunity for students to share their research with the community. It also featured a keynote address by renowned immunologist Sarah J. Schlesinger 81 on Dendritic Cells, HIV Vaccines and the Nobel Prize.

Peterman believes that BIOC is a deeply interdisciplinary field with emphasis especially on meaningful and independent undergraduate research. The discipline of biochemistry is a combination of both the physical and natural sciences. Wellesleys course offerings include classes on cellular physiology, a study of the activities that keep a cell alive, and biophysical chemistry, a study of the physical properties of biological macromolecules.

Peterman suggested that what sets this department apart from others is its ability to synthesize [the two subjects] into a unique exploration of biological structure and function at the macromolecular level. The department has explored new fields of study within biochemistry such as genomics, the study of genomes, and proteomics, the study of proteins. These disciplines continue to emerge and evolve with the help of independent research conducted by students and professors.

Like other science departments at Wellesley, the biochemistry curriculum emphasizes the need for future researchers to not only be familiar with laboratory work with complex instruments and computers, but also to have strong problem solving techniques, collaboration skills, awareness of ethical issues and the ability to think across disciplinary boundaries.

The department will continue the celebration this spring with several talks by prominent BIOC alumnae who have made impactful and lasting contributions to their fields. Details will be distributed when these events become finalized. In conjunction with the celebration of the departments 50th anniversary, students majoring in biochemistry have taken the opportunity to reflect on the discipline which they hope to concentrate in.

Hannah Jacobs 19, a sophomore considering the biochemistry major, says that she is interested in the major because it is both fascinating and challenging.

Its specialized, but it will give me a breadth of knowledge about biological systems, she said, in reference to the concentration. Jacobs advises that any students thinking of majoring in this area should plan ahead and take organic chemistry as soon as possible, as it will give [them] an idea whether the major is right for [them].

Catherine Xie 19, a sophomore double-majoring in biochemistry and French, stated that her inspiration to join this field came from her grandmother, Pan Huazhen, who was a biochemist in China. By attending summer research courses in high school and investigating subjects that interested her, she found her fascination for science.

Xie has also channeled her passion of science by being part of the organization BC2 which arranges both lectures and dessert series with professors and student research panels with current biochemistry majors. Although she wishes there were fewer requirements for the major and more flexibility in the types of courses, Xies favorite part of the department is hearing about all the amazing research that [the] faculty carries out on campus.

Continue reading here:
Biochemistry department celebrates 50 years of interdisciplinary, scientific learning - The Wellesley News

Small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) proteins are small peptides that get added on to other proteins to regulate their activity. While SUMO has many regulatory roles in cells, it is especially important for controlling gene expression during early development. Just a few years ago this connection between SUMO and gene regulation was relatively unknown, but now, Notre Dame researchers are exploring how a disruption to the SUMO proteins ability to regulate embryo development may be linked to congenital heart defects.

Professor Paul Huber

Paul Huber, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and Norman Dovichi, the Grace-Rupley Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, are working together to understand the role of all proteins in embryo development using Xenopus laevis or the African claw frog. This species is known for having a similar gene structure to that of the human genome, meaning that findings related to this species have the potential to provide a deep understanding about human diseases.

When discussing their research, Dovichi said, In 2014, Huber and I completed a study using Xenopus laevis embryos to understand how more than 4,000 proteins fluctuate during the different stages of development. We found that certain proteins spike or lower during specific stages. For example, a number of proteins that are used during the creation of cardiovascular tissue rose during stage 13, when organs develop.

Professor Norman Dovichi

In these early experiments, Huber found that when SUMO activity was repressed, many of the embryos had two predominate phenotypes, one of which was heart defects. Then, new studiesbegan linking mutations in SUMO protein to heart failure as well as congenital heart defects. This is when the Notre Dame researchers began to develop the next steps for their research.

At the time, there was not a lot of information about the role of the SUMO protein, but our theory was that it was critical for proper development of the heart, said Huber. To study the proteins specific impact, we inhibited SUMO activity in the developing cardiovascular tissue. This will allow us to compare the proteome or all of the proteins that are expressed by a cell of the defective hearts with their normal counterparts.

To support the research, Olivia Cox, a Notre Dame graduate student, collaborated with Daniel Weeks, professor of biochemistry and pediatrics at the University of Iowa, and identified three predominate heart defects in the SUMO-deficient hearts: septal defects commonly thought of as holes in the heart abnormal turning of the outflow tract, and noncompaction cardiomyopathy.

The goal of this research is to use the proteome comparisons to specifically identify which proteins are responsible for congenital heart defects. Additionally, Huber, affiliated with the Harper Cancer Research Institute (HCRI) and the Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Dovichi, affiliated with Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics as well as the HCRI, plan to continue exploring the SUMO proteins significance in other areas of embryo development. This research could help explain why other development defects arise, and eventually lead to a solution for increasing SUMO protein expression when a mutation occurs.

Congenital heart defects impact more than 35,000 newborns in the United States each year and is the most common type of birth defect. To learn more about congenital heart defects, please visit https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/chd.

Contact:

Brandi Klingerman / Research Communications Specialist

Notre Dame Research / University of Notre Dame

bklinger@nd.edu / 574.631.8183

research.nd.edu / @UNDResearch

About Notre Dame Research:

The University of Notre Dame is a private research and teaching university inspired by its Catholic mission. Located in South Bend, Indiana, its researchers are advancing human understanding through research, scholarship, education, and creative endeavor in order to be a repository for knowledge and a powerful means for doing good in the world. For more information, please see research.nd.edu or @UNDResearch.

See the article here:
Notre Dame Researchers Study Potential Cause of Common Birth Defect - ND Newswire

The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, which confers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, prepares graduate students for a career in science by expanding knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology, and by developing the student's abilities in critical thought and creativity. The academic program emphasizes an in-depth study of the field with considerable flexibility to individually tailor course selection with regard to academic interests and area of specialization in the student's field of research.

A diversity of research programs is available for students. Areas of research specialization include molecular biology, physical biochemistry, molecular endocrinology, plant biochemistry and molecular biology, signal transduction, and biomedical research. Each program bestows a strong preparation for an academic research and teaching career, or a biochemical research career at both the pure and applied levels in private, governmental or industrial laboratories.

Students who have earned a bachelor's degree in physical, chemical, biological, or agricultural sciences at an accredited college or university are eligible to apply.

Students should prepare with the following courses prior to beginning graduate study in biochemistry:

See the article here:
Biochemistry Department: Graduate Program

Biochemistry at Macalester

Students in the Biochemistry Program at Macalester receive a broad-based and robust grounding in the molecular structures and chemical reactions of biology.

Biochemistry students work alongside faculty with expertise spanning biology and chemistry, using state-of-the art equipment.

After graduation, biochemistry students have gone on to graduate study, medical school, and a variety of positions in industry.

Poster sessions bring together student and faculty researchers from various disciplines.

Here is the original post:
Biochemistry - Macalester College

Biochemistry emphasis on the study of chemical processes occurring in the living organisms. It is the branch of science that helps to explore the various chemical processes occurring within and related to the living matter and studies these mechanisms by using chemical knowledge and techniques to understand and solve biological problems. Biochemistry deals with the structures, functions and interactions of biological macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids, which provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated with life.

Link:
Peer Reviewed Biochemistry Journals | Impact Factors Rankings

Welcome

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics is one of five Basic Science Departments in the College of Medicine at UIC.

"During the last several decades there have been a series of dramatic advances in the way basic biomedical research is carried out. We are now able to produce large quantities of single proteins and determine their structures at atomic resolution, we can mutate these proteins and modify their properties... [ READ MORE + ]

Follow this link:
Home | UIC Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics