Biochemistry

Structural and computational analyses provide the first view of an activated AMPA receptor. Findings published by the Tajkhorshid and Gouaux labs in Cell.

2018-01-26

Using molecular dynamics simulations, the Tajkhorshid lab computationally modeled the complete structure of the active AMPA receptor with hydrated ions moving through an open pore. Together these findings, published in Cell, show how AMPA receptor regulatory proteins enhance the potency of agonists...

Employing the Help of the BHPI Molecule to Boost Anti-Cancer Drug Treatments

2017-12-31

For decades, MCB and the University of Illinois have been at the forefront of understanding the role of estrogen and the estrogen receptor (ER) in causing breast cancer. This is essential work: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, affecting roughly one in eight women in the...

The Grosman and Tajkhorshid labs collaborate on "Chasing the open-state structure of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels"

2017-12-05

The Grosman and Tajkhorshid labs collaborate on "Chasing the open-state structure of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels." Their findings are presented as the cover story in the December Issue of The Journal of General Physiology.

Shape-shifting agent targets harmful bacteria in the stomach

2017-11-13

A new shape-shifting polymer can target and kill Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the stomach without killing helpful bacteria in the gut. Such a treatment could improve the digestive health of billions of people worldwide who contract H. pylori infections.

Dr. Susan Martinis, Head of biochemistry, named interim vice chancellor for research

2017-09-29

Dr. Susan Martinis, head of biochemistry, started her new role as interim vice chancellor for research on Oct. 16, 2017. “Professor Martinis has earned a reputation here at Illinois as a collaborative scholar and consultative leader who gets work done. These qualities make her an ideal fit for...

Satish Nair named I.C. Gunsalus Professor in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

2017-09-07

Nair, a professor of biochemistry in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and director of the Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, is a leader in studying how bacteria can make antibiotics and other medicinally relevant molecules.

Professor Satish Nair, postdoctoral researcher, Shi-Hui Dong, and colleagues find that slowing dangerous bacteria may be more effective than killing them

2017-08-17

The findings are published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Auinash Kalsotra Awarded MDA Grant for Studying Myotonic Dystrophy

2017-08-02

The grant to Prof. Kalsotra provides $300,000 over a three-year period to study the molecular basis for cardiac arrhythmias in Myotonic Dystrophy, a multi-systemic disease that affects about 1 in 8000 people with no cure.

Study: Omega-3 Fatty Acids Fight Inflammation via Cannabinoids

2017-07-18

Professor Aditi Das and biochemistry student Josephine Watson published findings in PNAS.

Study identifies key player in heart enlargement

2017-06-27

The findings, reported in the journal eLife, could assist in the development of therapeutics that promote healthy heart growth and prevent disease. Biochemistry professor Auinash Kalsotra, led the new study with postdoctoral researcher Sandip Chorghade and graduate student Joseph Seimetz.

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