Research in the Luger Lab focuses on the structural biology of genome organization. We aim to understand the fundamental impact of chromatin architecture on all nuclear processes. We study the interaction of nucleosomes with nuclear factors, as well as structural and mechanistic aspects of the cellular machinery that assembles and disassembles chromatin during transcription, replication, and DNA repair. The evolution of eukaryotic chromatin structure is investigated through structural studies of archaeal and viral chromatin. We use a wide range of approaches ranging from structural biology, biophysics, molecular and cell biology.
keywords
chromatin / nucleosome structure and function, protein-DNA interactions, DNA replication, DNA repair, DNA transcription, histone chaperones, nucleosome dynamics, x-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry, SAXS, fluorescence, atomic force microscopy, analytical ultra centrifugation, evolution, electron microscopy, Archaea, giant viruses, eukaryogenesis, enzymology
BCHM 1020 - A Path to Success: Introduction to the Biochemistry Major
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
This course will help students navigate their first year of college and develop the skills needed for academic success as Biochemistry majors. Students will improve academic strategies (i.e. time management, problem-solving and study skills), identify available campus resources, learn how to get involved in clubs and gain research experience, and explore career opportunities as a biochemistry graduate. This is a first-year elective course specifically designed for first year and other students exploring their educational and career opportunities. Recommended restriction: New BCHM majors.
BCHM 4720 - Metabolic Pathways and Human Disease
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Covers energy metabolism and anabolic/catabolic pathways; metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids; photosynthesis; special topics on human diseases with pathologies and metabolic pathways. Formerly CHEM 4720. Same as BCHM 5720.
BCHM 5720 - Metabolic Pathways and Human Disease
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022
Covers energy metabolism and anabolic/catabolic pathways; metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids; photosynthesis; special topics on human diseases with pathologies and metabolic pathways. Formerly CHEM 5720. Same as BCHM 4720.
BCHM 6901 - Research in Biochemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2020 / Spring 2021 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023
May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
BCHM 6951 - Master's Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Fall 2022
Students are not admitted for the master's degree but may be transferred to the MS plan if they are unable to meet the demands of the PhD program.
CHEM 5720 - Metabolic Pathways and Human Disease
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Covers energy metabolism and anabolic/catabolic pathways; metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids; photosynthesis; special topics on human diseases with pathologies and metabolic pathways. Formerly CHEM 5720. Same as BCHM 4720.
CHEM 6901 - Research in Chemistry
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019
May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 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.
