The ubiquitin-proteasome system is essential to eukaryotic life through the regulation of protein degradation, and Ubiquilins (UBQLNs) facilitate degradation of a poorly defined subset of ubiquitinated proteins. Since their discovery, multiple UBQLNs have been implicated in cancer and neurodegenerative disease. In particular, mutations in UBQLN2, which is highly expressed in neurons and muscle, were found to cause ALS. We found that UBQLN2 regulates the degradation of a unique, retrotransposon-derived protein called PEG10. PEG10 is necessary for placental development but is elevated in neurological diseases, including Angelman's Syndrome and ALS. We seek to understand: 1) Why UBQLN2 specifically selects PEG10 for facilitated degradation 2) How PEG10 contributes to placental function and neurological disease through its virus-like activities and 3) Can we use this knowledge to understand other UBQLN genes, and other retrotransposon-derived genes like PEG10?
BCHM 4740 - Biochemistry of Gene Transmission, Expression and Regulation
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024 / Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
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 2024 / Spring 2025 / Spring 2026
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 5781 - Advanced General Biochemistry 2
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
Detailed consideration of contemporary topics in biochemistry. Formerly CHEM 5781.
BCHM 6901 - Research in Biochemistry
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2023
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.
