Melissa K. Gardner, Ph.D.

Rubriques

Melissa K. Gardner, Ph.D.
Title
Assistant Professor
Department
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology & Development
Institution
University of Minnesota
Address
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church Street SE
City, State, ZIP
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone
(612) 626-6760
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.cbs.umn.edu/explore/departments/gcd/faculty-directory/melissagardner
Research field
Cell Biology; Biophysics
Award year
2011

Research

My research is focused on discovering the role of protein nanomechanics in regulating key cellular processes. The nanomechanical properties of cellular proteins and nucleic acids are vital for regulating key cellular processes, and a number of Phase 1 clinical trial drugs that limit the proliferation of human cancer cells work by disrupting the nanomechanics of cellular components during cell division. We will use computational modeling, genetics, and fluorescence imaging to elucidate in vivo chromatin mechanical properties inside of living cells. We will perform experiments and build mathematical models to provide a framework for understanding how these properties are regulated inside of cells and then link the measured in vivo chromatin mechanical properties to their role in regulating critical cellular processes.

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