Biochemistry

Small molecule transports iron in mice, human cells to treat some forms of anemia

2022-06-27

University of Illinois chemistry professor Martin D. Burke and graduate student Stella Ekaputri were part of a team that found a small molecule, hinokitiol, ferries iron out of liver cells lacking the protein that normally does the job and restores hemoglobin and red blood cell production.

A natural small molecule derived from a cypress tree can transport iron in live mice and human cells lacking the protein that normally does the job, easing a buildup of iron in the liver and restoring hemoglobin and red blood cell production, a new study found.

New Rabinowitch Lecture Series honors pioneering Illinois biophysicist

2022-06-07

Black and white photo of Eugene Rabinowitch

The Departments of Biochemistry and Plant Biology are pleased to announce the creation of the Rabinowitch Lecture Series, which will feature guest speakers who have made key achievements in the two fields.

GIVE to Unconventional Wisdom: Spotting HIV in the Blood

2016-12-31

A mysterious ailment struck Deborah Paul’s younger brother, Tim, in 1982, when lymph glands all over his body suddenly became swollen. He recovered, but it took two years for doctors to finally figure out what had triggered the problem. In 1984, Paul’s brother developed pneumocystis pneumonia—a...

Collegial environment set alum up for success

2016-12-31

Over the years, Westcott has come back to Illinois to teach six-week courses in biochemistry and gives seminars on working in the pharmaceutical industry to incoming students. His donations have supported several fellowships for graduate students in biochemistry, and Westcott makes it a point when...

Unassailable Strength

2016-12-31

The Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology was established in 1996 and has always made its home in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology. The original idea of the center was proposed back in 1978 when Antony Crofts was recruited from the University of Bristol and appointed to lead...

Exploring RNA’s Binding Role in Liver Disease and Cancer

2017-12-31

Kalsotra’s research has focused on RNA, the workhorse cousin of DNA, which makes up the genetic instructions for living things. RNA is often viewed as important for messaging and other functions, taking DNA’s code and transporting it to and carrying out functions in cells. It’s often taken a back...

Taking a Deep Look at Protein Structures that Contribute to Cancer

2017-12-31

Thirteen years ago, when Lin-Feng Chen joined the Department of Biochemistry, he had his sights set on a specific protein that could both contribute to the growth of cancer and be a major factor in boosting the body’s immune system.

Harnessing and Boosting T-cells to Fight Disease

2017-12-31

David Kranz, the Phillip A. Sharp Professor of Biochemistry in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, has been involved in T-cell research since working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, involved in early discoveries about how T-cells might be used to...

Meet MCB: John E. Cronan, PhD ’68, Biochemistry

2018-12-31

It is rare to fall in love with a field during college, pursue it, and build a stellar career. Yet, that’s what John Cronan’s life has always been about- fatty acids.

The Changing Shape of HIV

2018-12-31

The Procko lab applies big data tools to molecular biochemistry.Their goal: a better understanding of how we might fight HIV-1.

Contact Us