F2023 - CMMB 461 - Functional Genomics and Molecular Networks | |||||||||||||||||
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W2024 - BIOL 243 - DNA, Inheritance and Evolution | |||||||||||||||||
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1. Deciphering transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulatory networks in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Proper regulation of gene expression in all cell types in response to external conditions is fundamental for normal growth and development. Aberrant gene expression as a result of dysregulation is a major cause of numerous complex diseases. Gene expression is controlled at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional level by specialized nucleic acid-binding proteins that regulate mRNA synthesis, stability, localization and translation. Our lab is currently working on two distinct research projects utilizing functional genomic approaches to better understand transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation in the fission yeast model system. Project 1 aims to decipher the transcriptional-regulatory network in this organism by the identification of signaling pathways and target genes of transcription factors. Project 2 focuses on the functional characterization of the Pumilio family of posttranscriptional-regulatory proteins by identification of its target mRNAs and interacting proteins. We are specifically investigating the network interactions between transcription factors/Pumilio proteins and their targets that regulate flocculation and the cell cycle in fission yeast.
2. Development of an algal-based bioremediation strategy to reduce toxicity of oil sands process-affected water for eventual release into the environment. The Athabasca Oil Sands represent the third largest oil reserve in the world. Bitumen is recovered from surface mining of oil sands by alkaline hot water extraction. This method generates vast amounts of oil sands process-affected water that contain acid-extractable organics such as naphthenic acids known to be toxic to a variety of aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Due to a zero-discharge policy, the oil sands process-affected water is stored in settling ponds. Our lab focuses on the characterization of indigenous algae existing in oil sands process-affected water. Specifically, we are investigating: (1) the identity of algal species and community; (2) the ability of algae to degrade acid-extractable organics including naphthenic acids in oil sands process-affected water and; (3) the ability of stimulated algal growth to reduce toxicity of oil sands process-affected water. In addition, we are employing a toxicogenomics approach in fission yeast to elucidate the mode-of-action and toxicity of acid-extractable organics. This research is a collaborative effort with Suncor Energy Inc. and the Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA-Water).
Abdelaziz, Ahmed | PhD | |
Chatfield-Reed, Katherine | PhD | Genetic interactions of transcription factors in fission yeast |
George, Iain | MSc | Molecular genetic analysis of Pumilio genes in fission yeast |
Henry, Darren | PhD | Molecular genetic analysis of Pumilio genes in fission yeast |
Quesnel, Mike |
PhD |
Algal bioremediation and fission yeast toxicogenomics of oil sands process-affected water |
Vachon, Lianne | PhD | Functional characterization of fission yeast transcription factors by overexpression analysis |