Faculty in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Track of the Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences.
The primary department of each Biochemistry and Molecular Biology track faculty member is listed.
*not accepting students as a major advisor
Sean Adams, Ph.D.
Pediatrics
Web profile
Our lab conducts studies that span from the sub-cellular to the whole body, to characterize the mechanisms by which nutrition and physical activity alter metabolic physiology, obesity and type 2 diabetes risk.
Syed Ali, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
My laboratory is studying the effects of nanomaterials on the central nervous system.
Giulia Baldini, M.D., Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
My research focuses on Melanocortin-4 receptor, a G-protein coupled receptor involved in appetite control.
Alexei Basnakian, M.D., Ph.D.
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Web profile
The lab studies the role of DNases in tissue injury and cell death.
Gunnar Boysen, Ph.D.
Environmental and Occupational Health
Web profile
My research focuses on how environmental and occupational exposure, nutrition, and genetic diversity influence cancer initiation, promotion and progress.
Marie Burdine, Ph.D.
Department of Surgery
Web profile
Our laboratory focuses on two main areas of research 1) understanding how epigenetic proteins regulate pancreatic tumor cell response to chemotherapy and 2) identifying targets for the development of immunosuppression therapies for solid organ transplant patients.
Alicia Byrd, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web Profile
The major focus of my research is to characterize the molecular mechanisms of helicases involved in regulation of the DNA damage response using biochemical, biophysical, and systems biology approaches with the overall goal of designing better cancer treatments.
Stephanie Byrum, Ph.D.
Web profile
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
My research focuses on developing technologies for the high-resolution analysis of chromatin and histone post-translational modifications at specific genomic loci. Therefore, I analyze both the genomic, epigenomic, and proteomic data associated with the chromatin biology. I have formal training in bioinformatics and mass spectrometry. I recently successfully developed the ChAP-MS technology in yeast for proteomic study of a specific single genomic locus. I am also involved in many projects involving the analysis of next generation sequencing data, such as RNA-seq and ChIP-seq, as well as proteomic data.
Mari Davidson, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
The lab studies chromosome dynamics in meiosis.
Alan Diekman, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Moleuclar Biology
Web profile
The lab studies the structure and function of carbohydrate binding proteins in prostate cancer and reproduction.
Robert Eoff, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
Our lab studies DNA replication and DNA damage tolerance: mechanisms and roles in cancer.
Robert Griffin, Ph.D.
Radiation Oncology
Web profile
Research interest areas include: radiation and cancer biology, exosomes and cell to cell crosstalk in stem cell differentiation and activity, nanomedicine applications.
Gur Kaushal, Ph.D.
Internal Medicine
Web profile
Dr. Kaushal’s research focuses on studying the role of metalloproteinases, cell death proteases and autophagy-lysosomal degradation pathways usinf models of renal diseases.
Thomas Kelly, Ph.D.
Pathology
Web profile
My lab is interested in tumor biology. Our work has focused on extracellular matrix degrading proteases and their roles in facilitating tumor growth and metatstasis.
Samantha Kendrick, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
Our overall research goal is to identify the molecular mechanisms behind the genomic instability at critical oncogenes in lymphoma and the role DNA secondary structures may play in facilitating these genomic alterations. We are also interested in the impact of HIV infection on the molecular oncogenesis of lymphoma. To address these important questions we integrate basic and translational science using in silico, ex vivo, cell-based and tissue-based genomic and proteomic approaches.
Mahmoud Kiaei, Ph.D.
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Web profile
Investigating the mechanism(s) of motor neuron degeneration in ALS, development of efficacious therapeutic strategy for ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Development of transgenic mouse model for ALS carrying profilin1 mutation. Investigation of mutant profilin1 toxicity.
Vladimir Lupashin, Ph.D.
Physiology and Biophysics
Web profile
My laboratory is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for the generation and maintenance of intra-cellular membrane-bounded compartments. In all eukaryotic cells intracellular membrane trafficking is critical for a range of important cellular functions including protein secretion, post-translational modifications, cell signaling, cell polarization, and cell maintenance. Defects in membrane trafficking can underline, or even exacerbate, a number of human diseases including cancer, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s, cystic fibrosis, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome and Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation.
Samuel Mackintosh, Ph.D.*
Web profile
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
My primary responsibility is the day-to-day management of the UAMS Proteomics Core.
Angus MacNicol, Ph.D.
Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences
Web profile
My research focuses on cell cycle control, stem cells, cancer stem cells, drug discovery, mRNA translation, and vertebrate development.
Mugimane Manjanatha, Ph.D.
NCTR
Web profile
My work involves development and application of transgenic mutational mouse models for identifying and characterizing hazards, especially genotoxicity and epigenetic modifications for risk assessment using “mode of action” type analysis.
Grover P Miller, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
My research group investigates the role of enzymes, especially cytochromes P450 (CYP), in the activation and processing of xenobiotic chemicals, such as drugs, pollutants, and dietary compounds, from a chemist’s perspective. We specialize in the identification and validation of biochemical mechanisms through experimental approaches and often develop analytical tools along the way. Nevertheless, our projects are often multi-disciplinary and collaborative to effectively tackle complex challenges by recruiting experts in computational, analytical, and clinical research.
Isabelle Racine Miousse, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
I specialize in epigenetics, with a focus on how environmental factors linked to cancer affect DNA and histone methylation. I investigate how the supply and metabolism of the methyl donor methionine modulates these responses and alters cancer development. My current project studies how to modulate dietary methionine to alter autophagy and improve the response rate to immunotherapy in patients with metastatic melanoma..
Roy Morello, Ph.D.
Physiology and Biophysics
Web profile
We utilize genetically modified mouse models to understand the function of poorly characterized genes that have a function in skeletal development, homeostasis or disease. A special interest is in proteins that post-translationally modify collagens and in osteogenesis imperfecta.
Intawat Nookaew, Ph.D.
Web profile
Biomedical Informatics
My research focuses on the area of applied bioinformatics/computational biology and systems biology for biomedical research. I have developed novel advanced algorithms and frameworks to accelerate the utilization and mining for biological interpretation of omics data (genome, transcriptome, proteome and metabolome) for biomedical research translation (cancer, obesity, diabetes, autoimmune disease, metabolic dysfunction, etc.). In addition, I also focus on the impact of human gut microbiome on diseases progression and development.
Melda Onal, Ph.D.
Physiology and Biophysics
Web profile
Our laboratory is interested in autophagy in osteoblast lineage cells in efforts to understand the role of autophagy in bone remodeling and age-related bone loss.
Paul Prather, Ph.D.
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Web profile
I am a cellular/molecular pharmacologist whose research interests involve understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the addictive states produced by drugs of abuse. Specifically, for over 20 years I have been investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of signal transduction mediated by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) with which drugs of abuse interact, specifically opioids and cannabinoids.
Peter Price, Ph.D.
Internal Medicine
Web profile
Our long-term aim is to determine the mechanisms of acute and chronic injuries to the kidney. We were the first to report that the Cdk inhibitory p21WAF1/CIP1 protein is up-regulated in kidney cells after stress. We were also the first to report that p21 expression ameliorates acute kidney injury, and the first to report that p21 expression and cell cycle inhibition is deleterious in a chronic kidney injury model. We have used wild-type and p21 knock-out mice extensively for our studies and have developed transgenic mouse strains in which either p21 or dominant negative Cdk2 can be induced specifically in kidney proximal tubules. We found that p21 expression in the proximal tubules induces paracrine factor(s) resulting in fibrotic changes after unilateral ureteral obstruction with release. We reported that p21 KO mice are protected from interstitial fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis and hypertension caused by 5/6 nephrectomy. Using p21 wild-type mice with the same genetic background (129Sv), we found that 5/6 nephrectomy caused decreased inulin clearance, increased mean arterial pressure, histologic pathologic changes including severe focal and global glomerulosclerosis, mesangial expansion, and interstitial fibrosis. These mice will be used to confirm our hypotheses in this proposal. We are also identifying substrates kinased by Cdk2 that participate in cell death pathways using analogue-sensitive Cdk2 and site-directed mutagenesis. I am trained in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and molecular cloning and have published extensively in these fields.
Kevin Raney, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
My research focuses on protein-nucleic acid interactions.
Robert Reis, Ph.D.
Geriatrics
Web profile
My research focuses on the molecular genetics of longevity and age-associated diseases. I was trained in genetics, and turned to C. elegans as a model system in which to define and characterize genes that govern longevity. Using novel gene-mapping methods we developed, we discovered over 27 highly-significant loci for lifespan, resistance to stresses, and Darwinian fitness. Using chromosomal fine-mapping, we identified one longevity gene as REC-8, a meiotic cohesin that helps hold tetrads together and was thought to be silent in mitotic cells. However, we showed that it actually makes somatic tissues more vulnerable to diverse stresses, while stabilizing the meiotic genome, and its depletion in C. elegans or knockout in haploid yeast increases lifespan. My group was the first to identify the Pirin gene on the human X chromosome as a regulator of post-menopausal bone loss in women, a discovery confirmed in a Chinese population. We also pioneered the role of homologous recombination in the development and progression of myeloma, prostate, and breast cancers. We were the first to note that cells from many different cancer types feature very high levels of homologous recombination, and high expression of the Rad51 recombinase complex that mediates it. We are now working chiefly on genetic factors that regulate lifespan, and that contribute to protein aggregates — key toxic intermediates in neurodegenerative diseases. We have identified proteins in specific aggregate types that are highly enriched in Alzheimer’s cortex, and many of them play functional roles in aggregate formation in C. elegans models. Their toxic effects turn out to be mediated in large part by blockage of proteasomes and autophagosomes. We are combining exploratory proteomics and immunochemistry in human cortex and cultured neurons, with the facile genetics of nematodes, to better understand how aggregates begin, grow, and ultimately disrupt proteostasis.
Sung Rhee, Ph.D.
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Web profile
Calcium and potassium channels on the surface membrane of vascular muscle cells control calcium influx and potassium efflux, respectively, and thereby regulate arterial diameters. My research interests are 1) using ion channel genes as therapeutic agents to normalize blood pressure, and 2) understanding molecular mechanisms that regulate traffic and expression of ion channels in vascular muscle cells during hypertension and related conditions. We use a wide range of techniques including molecular biology, biochemistry, viral gene transduction, patch clamp, vessel perfusion, confocal and super-resolution imaging, and in vivo microscopy.
Kartik Shankar, Ph.D.
Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Nutrition
Web profile
Research in my group is focused on understanding the developmental origins of obesity and metabolic disease, including the transmission of obesity from mother to child. We employ of range of cellular, whole-animals (in mice) and translational (using clinical studies) approaches and leverage high-dimensional OMIC methodologies. In addition, to strong exposure to metabolism, obesity and reproductive endocrine research, opportunities in the lab combine learning of both wet-bench and bioinformatics related to these techniques.
Sharda Singh, Ph.D.
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Web profile
Age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage are primary causes for multiple health problems including sarcopenia and cardiovascular disease (CVD). My research is focused on the study of animal models of sarcopenia and CVD associated with aging. Our primary interests are in understanding the development of oxidant stress caused by reactive oxygen as mediators of myopathy and evaluating new therapeutic approaches to prevent CVD and sarcopenia. In addition, we are examining the therapeutic potential of several agents to prevent doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury using rat breast cancer model.
Brian Storrie, Ph.D.
Physiology and Biophysics
Web profile
Research focuses on organelles of the secretory pathway using HeLa cells as an easy cell for molecular manipulations of the Golgi apparatus and plalelets as structure/function example of a stored secretory granules.
Alan Tackett, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
My laboratory focuses on histone epigenetic mechanisms that regulate gene transcription and that are coupled to melanoma progression. We utilize a suite of techniques in our studies including proteomics of human biopsies, immunohistochemistry, cell culture, tumorigenicity assays, ChIPseq, biochemical and proteomic approaches for analyses of protein complexes, and cutting-edge mass spectrometry for the analysis of histone post-translational modifications.
David Ussery, Ph.D.
Biomedical Informatics
Web profile
We are using ‘third generation sequencing technology’ (such as Oxford Nanopore flow cells) to do metagenomics of clinical isolates and environmental samples.
Wayne Wahls, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
My research focuses on chromosome dynamics, epigenetics, cellular growth controls.
Jerry Ware, Ph.D.
Physiology and Biophysics
Web profile
The role of circulating blood platelets, in thrombosis, inflammation, and cancer.
Patricia Wight, Ph.D.
Physiology and Biophysics
Web profile
The focus of research in my laboratory is centered on CNS development, particularly with regard to the formation and maintenance of myelin. Myelin is the tightly compacted multilamellar sheath, which surrounds axons and promotes saltatory conduction of nerve impulses. The myelin proteolipid protein gene (PLP1) encodes the most abundant protein found in mature myelin from the CNS. Expression of the gene is regulated spatiotemporally, with maximal expression occurring in oligodendrocytes during the myelination period of CNS development. PLP1 expression is tightly controlled; misregulation of the gene in humans can result in the X-linked dysmyelinating disorder Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD), and in transgenic mice carrying a null mutation or extra copies of the gene can result in a variety of conditions from late onset demyelination and axonopathy to severe early onset dysmyelination. With the use of transgenic and transfection paradigms, we have been able to show that the first intron of the PLP1 contains an enhancer region that is required for expression in oligodendrocytes as well as in other cell types that express PLP1. This region also overlaps a couple of recently discovered, alternatively spliced exons that are primarily restricted to the human species. Current efforts in the laboratory are focused on: identifying the transcription factors/architectural proteins that mediate enhancer function in PLP1 intron 1; test whether critical mutations in the enhancer could be the cause of PMD in patients with unaltered PLP1 coding sequence and gene dosage; understand the and spatiotemporal expression and function of intron 1-dervied splice isoforms in man. We are also using our PLP1-lacZ transgenic mice as a tool to screen for small molecules that stimulate myelination as a possible therapeutic for demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
V. Laxmi Yeruva, Ph.D.
Pediatrics
Web profile
Our lab focus on two aspects 1. Role of Chlamydia variants in host pathogenesis. 2. Role of infant diet in gastrointestinal tract development and immune function.
Donghoon Yoon, Ph.D.
Myeloma Institute
Web profile
We are interested in the pathophysiology of multiple myeloma (MM), a B cell cancer characterized by proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow, presence of a monoclonal serum immunoglobulin, and osteolytic lesions. We are investigating roles/mechanisms of PTH axis (PTH signal transduction) in MM development and therapeutic agents that target this axis. Additionally we are exploring the roles of Hypoxia (low oxygen tension) and microRNA (miRNA) in MM.
Haibo Zhao, M.D., Ph.D.
Internal Medicine
Web profile
My research focuses on osteoclast cell biology and metabolic bone diseases.
Boris Zybaylov, Ph.D.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Web profile
I am interested in the role of non-canonical DNA structures and long non-coding RNAs in human disease. I am also interested in clinical applications of microbiome-derived protein biomarkers.