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.
BCHM 4761 - Biochemistry Laboratory
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2021 / Fall 2023
Two 4-hour periods per week. Introduction to modern biochemical techniques. Topics include enzymology, spectrophotometry, electrophoresis, multi-step protein purification, recombinant DNA techniques and molecular cloning. Formerly CHEM 4761.
BCHM 4850 - Chemistry and Biology of Nucleic Acids
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
A comprehensive course in advanced topics in nucleic acid chemistry and biology. Topics will include the chemical properties of nucleic acids, chemical and biological synthesis, structure, biology of ribozymes and ribonuclear complexes, protein recognition, nucleic acids as targets and therapeutics and diagnostic and other applications of nucleic acids. Same as BCHM 5850.
BCHM 5850 - Chemistry and Biology of Nucleic Acids
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2022 / Spring 2023
A comprehensive course in advanced topics in nucleic acid chemistry and biology. Topics will include the chemical properties of nucleic acids, chemical and biological synthesis, structure, biology of ribozymes and ribonuclear complexes, protein recognition, nucleic acids as targets and therapeutics and diagnostic and other applications of nucleic acids. Same as BCHM 4850.
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.
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 6901 - Research in Chemistry
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Fall 2018 / Spring 2019 / Summer 2019
May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
