The Yin Laboratory

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology

University of Texas at Austin

 

 

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Our research focuses on several aspects of DNA replication and gene transcription using methods of crystallography and other biochemistry and biophysics.  

bulletStructural basis for anti-HIV drug toxicity

Human mitochondrial DNA polymerase has been implicated in drug toxicity of antiviral drugs designed against HIV reverse transcriptase.  We use structures of human mitochondrial DNA polymerase as a guide for designing more potent and less toxicity antiviral reagents. 

bulletMechanism for gene expression in mitochondria  

Gene expression system in mitochondria shows a clear viral origin:   The mitochondrial RNA polymerase active site domain resembles that of T7 bacteriophage.  However, mitoRNA polymerase differs from T7 RNA polymerase by functionally depending on transcription factors.  Studies of mitochondrial transcription not only provides us important links between human diseases and  gene expression defects, but also an valuable point on evolution of transcription systems.

bullet Bioengineering of T7 RNA polymerase for new functions

T7 RNA polymerase is a major tool for RNA synthesis in vitro.  We are working on reengineering the polymerase to gain various new functions for generation of modified RNA.

 

Interested in joining us?  Please see available positions.

Contact Information:

Telephone512-475-6172
FAX:            512-232-3234
Postal address:
2500 Speedway, MBB 3.422
        The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
        USA

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This site was last updated 03/19/10