Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

I have two research interests. The first is the structure and function of a special area of the chromosome, heterochromatin. The second is the effects of oxygen on aging and disease.The complete set of genetic information for a given organism is its genome, and many mysteries still exist pertaining to how its structure influences its function. This is particularly true for the more highly condensed areas of the genome, known as heterochromatin, previously thought to be genetically inert. Despite heterochomatin being highly compacted, genes are now known to reside within it. We will determine what is specific about this localization for the regulation of these genes. This is important for our understanding of all genomes of higher organisms, including humans.Life with oxygen is a double-edged sword- it is necessary for nearly all living organisms on the planet, yet when metabolized, it creates potentially harmful by-products termed reactive oxygen species (ROS). To detoxify the harmful effects of ROS, oxygen-breathing organisms are equipped with sophisticated anti-oxidant defense systems comprising enzymes, proteins and other small molecules. However, when anti-oxidant defense systems are compromised, or there are excessive levels of ROS, oxidative damage occurs to cellular components such as carbohydrates, protein, lipids, and DNA. The gradual accumulation of oxidative damage to cells is thought to be a major force that contributes to aging and age-related diseases. My research will investigate the role of heavy metals, which are known oxidizing agents, and their interaction with various anti-oxidants proteins on aging and age-related functional decline in Drosophila. In addition, we will investigate the potential link between environmental intervention (e.g. caloric restriction) known to alleviate oxidative stress and metals. This work is important for the treatment of aging and age related diseases.