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Melissa K. Gardner, Ph.D.

Photo of Melissa Gardner

TitleAssistant Professor
DepartmentDepartment of Genetics, Cell Biology & Development
InstitutionUniversity of Minnesota
Address6-160 Jackson Hall
 321 Church Street SE
City, State, ZipMinneapolis, MN 55455
Phone(612) 626-6760
E-Mailumn.edu
Websitewww.gcd.umn.edu/html/faculty_pages/Gardner.html
Research FieldCell Biology, Biophysics
Award Year2011

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.

Keywords


2011 Scholars


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