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Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry (MGB)
Overview
The Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry (MGB) research group forms
the corner-stone of the departmental research effort. Historically,
the interests of the group are firmly grounded in molecular and
genetic aspects of microbial physiology. Over the last
few years, however, these interests have expanded and diversified;
addressing research concerns as disparate as the genetic basis of
neural development in lower eukaryotes, programmed cell death in
human tissue culture cells, and an understanding of positive strand
RNA viral replication. This expansion has recently culminated
in the acquisition of an Endowed chair in Biotechnology (Professor
Julia Hilliard), whose research provides some new and intriguing
insights into human and nonhuman primate alphaherpesviruses
A defining theme to the research undertaken within the group would
be an understanding of regulatory mechanisms. This theme covers
a variety of research endeavours within the group. At the protein
level it encompasses the mechanisms of protein and drug transport
across bacterial membranes, along with protein:protein interactions
that trigger cell division. At the nucleic acid level the regulatory
theme embraces a wide variety of schemes; ranging from the genetic
response of certain microbes toward specific changes in their environment
to the diverse complexities that control viral infection (including
those mechanisms which underlie replication of certain viruses,
and directs their ultimate evolution).
The research that has been undertaken within the MG&B group
(together with a major collaborative effort with members of the Chemistry
department) has played a significant role in the development
of the Center for Biotechnology
and Drug Design and the state-of-the-art DNA/Protein
Core Facility. Both these resources (through grants from the
Georgia Research Alliance and the State of Georgia) have provided
the technical means and where-with-all to support molecular based
research within the two departments.
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Related Pages
Center for Biomacromolecules
and Biotechnology
Viral Immunology Center
More information
MGB Flyer (pdf)
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