ANDERSON LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

I’m studying the functions of Mtr4p as a component of TRAMP complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mtr4 plays an important role in nuclear RNA processing and turnover, that is dependent on ATP hydrolysis.

RESEARCH INTEREST

TRAMP is a three subunit complex involving RNA processing, surveillance and and degradation. My research interest is to characterize the TRAMP complex in mice by integrating data from RNA-Seq and other methods.

BLUMENTHAL LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

My research interests involve studying the gene Drop-Dead in drosophila. Mutants of the gene have diverse phenotypes including a shortened lifespan, neurodegeneration, tracheal defects, starvation, reduced body size, and female infertility.  My goal is to determine drop-dead's role in development and the cause(s) of death of these mutants.

DOWNS LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

The overall goal of my research is to investigate the AMPK (AMP-activated Protein Kinase)-mediated regulation of fatty acid oxidation in the regulation of mouse oocyte maturation. This research has potential applications in the assessment of metabolic status of oocytes for in vitro maturation and fertilization as well in the study of possible reproductive repercussions of drugs that modulate fatty acid metabolism such as some potential anti-obesity drug candidates.

CONFERENCES

2010 Society for the Study of Reproduction annual meeting, Milwaukee, WI.

2011 Society for the Study of Reproduction annual meeting, Portland, OR.

2012 Society for the Study of Reproduction annual meeting, State College, PA

RESEARCH INTEREST

Our lab has reported the important role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) during mouse oocyte maturation. The activation of AMPK is involved in meiotic resumption. Moreover, it promotes completion of maturation of mouse oocytes. My current work is focused on function of AMPK in later activation process.

CONFERENCES

2009 42rd Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Pittsburgh, PA

2012 43rd Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Milwaukee, WI

2011 44th Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Portland, OR

PUBLICATIONS

Downs S.M., Ya R., Davis C.C. (2010) Role of AMPK throughout meiotic maturation in the mouse oocyte: evidence for promotion of polar body formation and suppression of premature activation. Mol Reprod Dev. Oct;77(10):888-99.

FITTS LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

My work involves exploring the cross bridge mechanisms of skeletal muscle fatigue and determining protective effects of exercise training. I have recently shown that H+ significantly decreases peak force (Po) at submaximal levels of calcium at physiological temperatures using the skinned fiber preparation.  Studies will be performed to discover the exact step(s) of action of H+, Pi, and ADP in the cross bridge cycle and whether or not these factors work synergistically. 

PUBLICATIONS

Edwards, J.M., Neeb, Z.P., Alloosh, M.A., Long, X., Bratz, I.N., Peller, C.R.,  Byrd, J.P., Kumar, S., Obukhov, A.G., and Sturek M.l.  (2010) Exercise training decreases store-operated Ca²⁺ entry associated with metabolic syndrome and coronary atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular Research.  Feb 1; 85(3) 631-640.

CONFERENCES

2010 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD

2012 American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Annual Meeting, San Fransisco, CA

HONORS AND AWARDS

2012 Recipient of the Jobling Travel Award, Marquette University

HRISTOVA LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

My research involves the potential toxicity of Zinc Oxide nanoparticles on the ecosystem.  The model system used is the symbiosis of Phaseolus vulgaris (the common bean) and Rhizobium etli, a bacteria which induces the formation of nodules which fix N2 for the plant.  Our objectives are to determine the potential effects with Nanoparticles at environmentally relevant concentrations and to observe the potential effects on the symbiosis of the two organisms.

MAKI LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) such as propionate and butyrate are crucial intermediates formed during the breakdown of complex organic matter to methane and carbon dioxide. The objective of my study is to characterize the abundance and population dynamics of syntrophic acetogens involved in the breakdown of SCFA into acetate during anaerobic digestion.

MYNLIEFF LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

The work I do in Dr. Mynlieff's lab centers on how activated GABAB receptors modulate voltage-dependent calcium channels during neonatal mammalian development. I employ several techniques in my studies, such as electrophysiolgy, immunoblotting, and ratiometric calcium imaging. This work has implications in common human diseases, such as epilepsy. Beyond my research, I have a strong interest in teaching methodology.

CONFERENCES

2009 39th Annual Meeting of Society for Neuroscience, Chicago, IL

2010 40th Annual Meeting of Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA

2011 41st Annual Meeting of Society for Neuroscience, Washington, DC

2012 Biophysical Society 56th Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA

HONORS AND AWARDS

2011 Marquette University Fellowship
2012 Marquette University Fellowship
2011 Richard W. Jobling Award, Marquette University
2012 Dr. Catherine Grotelueschen Scholarship, Marquette University

NOEL LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

The O-antigen portion of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays many important roles in different gram negative bacteria. For example, it is crucial for rhizobia-plant symbiosis. My research focuses on understanding the biosynthesis of the O-antigen in Rhizobium etli CE3, specifically, characterizing the enzymes involved in the initial step of synthesis.

HONORS AND AWARDS

2011 Marquette University Fellowship

CONFERENCES

2010 The 21st North American Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation Conference, University of Missouri, Missouri

RESEARCH INTEREST

I study the respiratory pathway in Rhizobium etli.  I am particularly researching the regulation and utilization of quinol oxidase during the different phases of symbiosis between Rhizobium etli and Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean).

ST. MAURICE LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

My research focuses on understanding the molecular basis for catalysis and allosteric regulation in the multifunctional biotin-dependent enzyme pyruvate carboxylase.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Research into the catalysis mechanism of biotin-dependent enzymes.  Determine the structure and function of urea amidolyase.

HONORS AND AWARDS

2012 Richard W. Jobling Award, Marquette University

PUBLICATIONS

Lin Y., St. Maurice M. (2013) The Structure of Allophanate Hydrolase from Granulibacter bethesdensis Provides Insights into Substrate Specificity in the Amidase Signature Family. Biochemistry, Jan 29; 52(4):690-700

CONFERENCES

2013  The 23rd Enzyme Mechanisms Conference, San Diego, CA. Presented: Structural and functional studies of urea amidolyase.

STUART LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

I’m interested in the molecular regulation of cellular metabolism. My current work is focused on understanding how the cellular microenvironment influences changes within the cell, and the underlying molecular mechanisms.

PUBLICATIONS

Strogolova V., Furness A., Robb-McGrath M., Garlich J., and Stuart R.A. (2012) Rcf1 and Rcf2, members of the hypoxia induced gene 1 protein family, are critical components of the mitochondrial cytochrome bc1-cytochrome c oxidase supercomplex. Mol Cell Biol. Feb 6

RESEARCH INTEREST

I am interested in molecular mechanisms regulating cellular metabolism. My current work focuses on the regulation of mitochondrial respiration and how this reflects the metabolic needs of the cell.

PUBLICATIONS

Strogolova V., Furness A., Robb-McGrath M., Garlich J., and Stuart R.A. (2012) Rcf1 and Rcf2, members of the hypoxia induced gene 1 protein family, are critical components of the mitochondrial cytochrome bc1-cytochrome c oxidase supercomplex. Mol Cell Biol. Feb 6

CONFERENCES

2011 Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Conference, Steamboat Springs, CO

YANG LAB

RESEARCH INTEREST

Protein phosphorylation is one of the most fundamental and important post-translational modifications. Yet the precise roles of phosphorylation in eukaryotic flagella remain largely unknown. My research investigates investigates phosphorylation in the radial spoke complex that regulates dynein-driven flagellar beating.

RESEARCH INTEREST

The 9+2 axoneme is the microtubule-based scaffold in eukaryotic cilia and flagella. I use green alga Chlamydomonas as a model organism to elucidate the key steps in the assembly of the radial spoke complex in the axoneme.

Incoming Graduate Students

Meghan Costello

Adele Gordon