Shape-shifting agent targets harmful bacteria in the stomach

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

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

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.

Auinash Kalsotra Awarded MDA Grant for Studying Myotonic Dystrophy

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

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

Study identifies key player in heart enlargement

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.

Professor John Gerlt named the 2017 Gordon Hammes Lectureship winner

The lectureship is sponsored by the Division of Biological Chemistry of the American Chemical Society and the American Chemical Society’s “Biochemistry” journal.

Study offers new insight into powerful inflammatory regulator

A new study in mice reveals how a protein called Brd4 boosts the inflammatory response – for better and for worse, depending on the ailment. The study is the first to show that this protein, while problematic in some circumstances, also can protect the body from infection. The findings are reported...

Emad Tajkhorshid named the J. Woodland Hastings Endowed Chair in Biochemistry

A world leader in developing and applying advanced computational techniques to understand proteins, Tajkhorshid has been named the J. Woodland Hastings Endowed Chair in Biochemistry.