2008-2009 University Scholar Profile
Matthew Murphy
Mentor: Daiqing
Liao
College of Medicine
"I joined the University Scholars program in order to diversify my interests in research and also to begin work the field of cancer biology. Previous to joining the program, I was part of the GATOR fellowship headed by Louis Guillette and researched the steroid biosynthetic pathway in a viviparous skink Mabuya brachypoda. In my junior year, I had also started to take classes that stimulated my interest in molecular biology discoveries and techniques. Finding my true affinity towards research and also how fast we are learning new things about cancer had led me to the Liao Lab and the USP Program/ I hope that working within the Liao lab, I will attain a better understanding of the basic science component in the search for new cures to cancer."
Courses of Study
Major
Biochemistry
Research Interests
Cancer biology, antibiotics, steroids; the field of molecular biology and the discoveries that can be made in characterizing new cellular pathways and finding drug targets; Spanish and Portuguese
Awards
- Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholar
- Anderson Scholar of High Distinction
- HHMI G.A.T.O.R. Research Fellow
Volunteer Service / Organizations
- Chemistry Outreach, a program where I coordinated lab demonstrations between UF and an Oak View Middle School. Program objective was to inspire kids to learn about chemistry. Tennis On Wheels, session Leader. I volunteered with mentally and physically handicapped children at the Gainesville elementary schools Sidney Lanier and Metcalfe. Habitat for Humanity, build houses in partnership with families in need. Camp Boggy Creek, recently attended a camp dduring the HIV/AIDS week whose missions it is to empower, care for, and love children with chronic illnesses. Oasis of Love Ministries, tutored students from diverse and underprivileged backgrounds at a church. I also volunteer at the NFRMC and physician shadow at the Shands
Hobbies/Activities
Cooking, weightlifting, tennis, and chess. I also enjoy running.
Research Description
Identification of the Interacting Domains of Sp1 and the Transcriptional Corepressor mSin3A
The basis of my work right now involves the testing of protein associations critical to the understanding of cellular pathways that govern cell growth, mitosis, senescence, and death. I am employing the tools of molecular biology such as yeast two-hybrids and western blots to make these determinations. In these assays, I am using the restriction digests of my genes of interest along with point-mutant vectors to confirm the protein domains or residues necessary for strong protein-protein interactions.
In one project, I have already received positive data for the interaction between the versatile transcription factor Sp1 and the transcriptional corepressor mSin3A. In epigenetic regulation, the cell’s genetic material is in a “condensed” or “open” state based on certain transient modifications to the histone tails of chromatin. Acetylation of these tails managed by HDAC (histone de-acetylase) complexes have been shown to be an important regulator of chromatin structure. My recent results may establish a new link between a sequence-specific transcriptional regulator (Sp1) and protein complexes that regulate chromatin remodeling (mSin3A-HDAC core complex).
In another project, I am characterizing the association of Mdm4, one of the two essential and specific regulators of p53, with other critical components of its protein complex. p53 is a homotetrameric protein that functions to activate the transcription of a number of genes that regulate the cell’s apoptotic and cytostatic responses. It has been considered the most central element to many of the cell’s signaling pathways and is mutated or absent in 50% of all human cancers. My expectations are to offer insight about how Mdm4 is regulated and thus broaden our knowledge about how it can control the activity of p53. Hopefully my work will add new proteins to the agenda that may be studied to provide drug-targets and the therapeutic agents of the future.
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