Real-Time PCR to Study Metal-Regulated Gene Expression

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

In our lab in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto we are studying proteins from intracellular metal homeostasis pathways, with a focus on nickel. In particular, we are interested in the metal-responsive regulation of transcription and how these essential yet potentially harmful metals are incorporated into enzyme active sites without causing cellular damage. This knowledge has applications in the design of antibacterial agents that target the unique metal requirements of pathogenic microorganisms. Other medical uses include the prevention and treatment of diseases caused by exposure to toxic metals, such as cancer, as well as diseases related to metal homeostasis. Furthermore, the increasing spread of toxic heavy metals in the environment provides an incentive to engineer plants and microorganisms to be used as biosensors and in bioremediation.