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Last updated: January 27, 2003

Small College Research Grants

Graduate Fellowship Recipients

Role of Histone Modification in DNA Double Strand
Break Repair - Y. Ataian
A typical cell contains 1-2 linear meters of DNA compacted into a nucleus about 10 micrometers in diameter. This extreme compaction of DNA is essential for the proper inheritance of chromosomes when cells divide; however, this level of compaction renders the DNA inaccessible for other essential functions of the cell, such as expression of genes or repair of damaged DNA. Cells have solved this paradox by selectively decondensing regions of the chromosomes when they are needed, then refolding the DNA when the work is completed. This process of changing the local structure of a chromosome is called "chromatin remodeling," and is performed by chromatin remodeling enzymes. The objective of my research is to understand how chromatin remodeling facilitates the process of DNA repair upon damage caused by chemicals or radiation, and how the loss of remodeling capability may contribute to mutation, cell death, or neoplasms. Yeganeh works in Dr. Kreb's lab.

More on Yeganeh Ataian's research

The Role of BRG1 in Development and Environmental Exposure - E. Brown
Environmental contaminants such as nickel and dioxin are known to cause changes in chromatin structure. For example dioxin induces transcription of Cyp1A1 by a process that dissociates nucleosomes from the promoter, allowing access to the promoter's binding sites. The dissociation is mediated by the chromatin remodeler, BRG1 protein. Chromatin remodelers have specific functions in prenatal development, Studying BRG1 function would help explain the impact of contaminants such as dioxin on development, especially in terms of DNA/chromosome structure. Elvin works in Dr. Kreb's lab.

Feeding ecology of Arctic marine biota as determined by
heavy metal dynamics - Lara Dehn
The objectives of this study are to develop a better understanding of biomagnification of selected heavy metals in the Arctic marine food web, to determine trophic level effects of these metals to aid in delineation of contaminant pathways and to establish baseline values for subsistence harvested marine mammals in Alaska. It is hypothesized, that heavy metals can be discriminators for prey as well as ecological relationships in the Arctic.

More on Lara Dehn and her research

Environmental and Human Health Related Research in the Yukon River Watershed:
A Bibliography and Overview of Research, with suggestions for research needs related to
discovering endocrine disruption - A. Godduhn
Compilation of this annotated electronic bibliography was initiated by the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC) to make scientific knowledge about the watershed accessible to the Tribes and First Nations living here, especially in their efforts toward a river-wide assessment of environmental conditions. Additional goals include elucidation of patterns of effects of low levels of persistent organics.

Read Anna's viewpoint on her trip to AMAP

• More on AMAP - University of Alaska Students, Faculty, and Staff Travel to the Second International AMAP Symposium
  

Proposed elucidation of genes responsible for bacterial synthesis of the paralytic
shellfish poison saxitoxin - A. Krohn
The proposed research will attempt to reveal an operon responsible for synthesis of saxitoxin associated with harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by the toxic cyanobacteria Anabaena circinalis. The intended metagenomic approach to this project directs construction of a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library in E. coli from this toxic blue-green algae spanning the genome roughly five times and averaging 100-300kb per insert. This should provide ample opportunity for expression of A. circinalis genes in E. coli so that E. coli transformants containing saxitoxin anabolism genes can be identified by HPLC saxitoxin assay. Saxitoxin genes on the pBAC insert will then be identifiable through a series of point mutations (e.g. Tn5), subcloning and DNA sequence analysis. The identification of the genes responsible for saxitoxin synthesis is of worldwide importance as soxitoxin is a major etiological agent of paralytic shellfish poisoning which affects coastal communities from Alaska to South Africa. The discovery of these genes should lead to genetic probes that can be developed to allow for efficient monitoring of waters known to harbor both saxitoxin-producing bacteria or marine dinoflagellates and food which may be consumed by humans.

More on Andrew Krohn's research

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