Copenhaver receives NSF Breakthrough Technology Award to enhance food security

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Greg Copenhaver

Biology Professor Gregory Copenhaver has received a Breakthrough Technology Award from the National Science Foundation.

The awards fund research aimed at advancing functional genomics and crop breeding.

With more than 7 ½ billion people on the planet, agriculture enterprise is looking for ways to combat issues related to increasing instances of drought, flood, pests and disease, and that’s at the root of the “high-risk, high-reward” fundamental research in these new Breakthrough Technologies awards.

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Why a Fly?

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Endeavors, the online magazine of research and creative activity at UNC, recently featured the work of Dr. Bob Duronio and iBGS.

Bob Duronio

The genome of a fruit fly is strikingly similar to that of a human — so much so that scientists have been studying these tiny insects for over 100 years, in search of treatments for diseases like spinal muscular atrophy and neurological disorders. UNC geneticist Bob Duronio is one of those scientists.

“It begins with curiosity. Curiosity about a process. And then a question about that process. And then a hypothesis that will lead to an experiment that will provide results and data to interpret. What I love about this process is that my hypotheses are often wrong. And that’s really exciting — because no human being is smart enough to understand biology at a level of molecular detail where their hypotheses are always right.”

-Bob Duronio, director of the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences

“Beautiful.”

Robin Armstrong adjusts the focus on her dissecting microscope. Iridescent ovals float in the ether, clumped together, stark against a black backdrop. They look like the little, individual fibers that comprise the flesh of a grapefruit — long and plump and juicy. Though this grape-shaped bunch is far from produce, it’s fitting that they belong to a fruit fly. Armstrong is examining its ovaries.

Read the full article from Endeavors

In fruit fly and human genetics, timing is everything

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A fruit fly wing, enhanced with red and green fluorescence to study genes involved in development over time.

The following article, highlighting the work of Daniel McKay, PhD appeared in the May 25, 2017 edition of UNC Health Care and UNC School of Medicine’s Vital Signs newsletter and highlights findings published in the June issue of Genes and Development.

 

Every animal starts as a clump of cells, which over time multiply and mature into many different types of cells, tissues, and organs. This is fundamental biology. Yet, the details of this process remain largely mysterious. Now, scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have begun to unravel an important part of that mystery.

 
Using the fruit fly Drosophila, a standard lab model for studying animal biology, the researchers discovered a cascade of molecular signals that program gene activity to drive the fly from one stage of maturation to the next, like a baby turning into an adult. Part of this programming, they found, involves alterations to the way DNA is packaged. Those alterations open up certain regions of DNA to allow gene activity and close off other regions to prevent gene activity. The scientists found evidence that these changes to DNA accessibility occur in sequence.

 
“We’re finally getting at one of the core mechanisms in biology, which determine the timing and sequence of events in normal animal development at the level of our genes,” said Daniel J. McKay, PhD, assistant professor of genetics at the UNC School of Medicine and biology at the UNC College of Arts and Sciences.

 
Read more at the UNC School of Medicine Newsroom…
 

 

Conrad transitioning to Lineberger, Bull promoted

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After successfully serving as the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences (iBGS) Business Manager, Tracey Conrad has announced she will be transitioning to her new position as the Assistant Director, Business Administration of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center effective Oct. 31.

 

Ms. Conrad was hired in July 2011 by School of Medicine (SOM) Finance and Business Operations (FBO) to provide financial support and strategic direction for a variety of departments, including iBGS.  This includes managing all state, FNA, trust, and clinical accounts; managing faculty commitments; making projections and strategic planning.

 

“This is an outstanding opportunity for Tracey,” says Dr. Bob Duronio, iBGS director. “She has been continually committed to the success of iBGS and I have very much enjoyed working with her.  Tracey’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition to her new position has been exemplary of her skill and dedication.”

 

Delphi Bull, the current Business Officer, will be transitioning to the Business Manager position while retaining several of her current responsibilities. Ms. Conrad and Ms. Bull have been able to collaborate during the overlap of their positions to ensure a seamless transition.

 

“Delphi’s combination of talent and experience is an outstanding resource for the faculty, staff, and students at iBGS, “Duronio states. “I have no doubt that she is capable of taking on these additional responsibilities and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

 

Questions regarding this transition may be directed to Dr. Bob Duronio at duronio@med.unc.edu.

 

 

Biology discovery: tight DNA packaging protects against ‘jumping genes,’ potential cellular destruction

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Duronio, McKay, Strahl, Matera co-authored the paper that appeared in the August 2016 publication of Genes and Discovery.

Duronio, McKay, Strahl, Matera co-authored the paper that appeared in the August 2016 publication of Genes and Discovery.

The following article, highlighting the work of Robert Duronio, PhD; Daniel McKay, PhD; Greg Matera, PhD; Brian Strahl, PhD., appeared in the September 1, 2016 edition of UNC Health Care and UNC School of Medicine’s Vital Signs newsletter and highlights findings published in the Volume 30, No. 15 release of Genes and Discovery.


UNC School of Medicine researchers discovered that the major developmental function of heterochromatin – a form of tight DNA packaging found in chromosomes – may be to suppress activity of virus-like DNA elements known as transposons or “jumping genes,” which can otherwise copy and paste themselves throughout the genome, potentially destroying important genes, and causing cancers and other diseases.


Read more at the UNC School of Medicine Newsroom…

Jill Dowen selected as 2016 Sidney Kimmel Foundation Scholar

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Dr. Jill Dowen is a recipient of the 2016 Kimmel Scholar Award.

Dr. Jill Dowen is a recipient of the 2016 Kimmel Scholar Award.

iBGS extends its congratulations to Dr. Jill Dowen, supported iBGS faculty and Assistant Professor of Biochemistry & Biophysics and Biology, on her selection as a 2016 Sidney Kimmel Foundation Scholar award recipient. She is one of 15 junior researchers selected to receive the $200,000 award based on the promise and innovation of their work. Dowen’s project is entitled “Role of long-range chromosomal interactions in cancer.”

 

Learn more about the Sidney Kimmel Foundation, Dowen’s selection, and the Jill Dowen Lab.

Rallying for Research

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From top left: Blossom Damania, Phd, David Peden, MD, Brian Strahl, PhD, and Robert Duronio, PhD. Image courtesy of UNC Heath Care and UNC School of Medicine Newsroom.

From top left: Blossom Damania, Phd, David Peden, MD, Brian Strahl, PhD, and Robert Duronio, PhD. Image courtesy of UNC Heath Care and UNC School of Medicine Newsroom.

Robert Duronio, PhD, assistant dean for research at the UNC School of Medicine, professor of genetics and biology, and director of the Integrative Program for Biological and Genome Sciences, recently headed to Capital Hill with three other UNC investigators to bring awareness to the need for more federally funded medical research.

 

Read the full story here.

Invitation to Triangle Cytoskeleton Meeting

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Register for the Triangle Cytoskeleton Meeting, held Sept. 21, by August 24.

Register for the Triangle Cytoskeleton Meeting, held Sept. 21, by August 24.

 

One of the outstanding strengths within the Research Triangle is research on the cytoskeleton – the defining structure of every living cell. The Triangle Cytoskeleton Meeting aims to strengthen communication and collaboration between the Triangle’s institutions.

The one-day event will be held Monday, September 21 and will host talks and poster presentations divided among three sessions:

  • Mechanics and Structure of Cytoskeletal Complexes
  • Quantitative and Modelling Approaches in Studying the Cytoskeleton
  • and the Cytoskeleton in Development and Disease

These sessions, as well as lunch and a happy hour will provide opportunities to interact with fellow researchers throughout the day.

For more information please visit the Triangle Cytoskeleton Meeting website or view the invitation here.

Registrations close on Aug 24th.