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Comparative biochemistry and physiology, signal transduction in stress physiology

Teaching

Signal Transduction (BIOC 4031)

Immunochemistry (BIOC 4011)

Research Interests

       As a comparative biochemist and physiologist, Chris studies the similarities- and differences- in the metabolism across many model organisms. These organisms respond or even adapt to stresses- the events that perturb their normal physiology, metabolism, and overall function in their native environments. In learning more about how these organisms respond or adapt, we learn about their basic metabolic regulation; we also learn valuable lessons about physiology, pathology, and adaptation as a whole across all forms of life.

Chris’ specific niche lies in researching enzymes of significant importance at branch-points throughout known metabolism. He studies how these enzymes are modified in response to metabolic regulation. By the simple addition or removal of phosphate groups from the enzyme structure- known as reversible protein phosphorylation- the properties of an enzyme can be instantaneously modulated, causing downstream changes in cell, organ, and even systemic biochemistry. The enzymes modified by phosphorylation are not the only points of interest; protein kinases and protein phosphatases- the enzymes that themselves catalyze phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, respectively- are also intensely scrutinized.

In his present role at Mount Allison University, Chris' research focuses on enzymes likely to be phosphorylated or dephosphorylated in response to nanoparticle toxicity. Nanoparticles, engineered surface-functionalized materials smaller than a typical eukaryotic cell, are becoming increasingly prevalent in the environment, with the potential bioactivity to affect species native to these environments. Recently, nanoparticles have been progressively established as being causative agents of oxidative stress, resulting from the inability of typical antioxidant defences to cope with the accelerated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals in vivo. The present research aims are to elucidate how cell signaling and target enzymes are modified as a result of various types of nanoparticle-induced stress, and to characterize the response at the biochemical level- whether the exposed organism is adapting, or succumbing, to nanoparticle biochemical level- whether the exposed organism is adapting, or succumbing, to nanoparticle toxicity.