University of Virginia School of Medicine

Dr. Lukas Tamm is now the president of the Biophysical Society. He was interviewed by their newsletter editors. https://biophysics.cld.bz/Biophysical-Society-Newsletter-February-2017/4 … [Read more...]

The Pinn Scholars program was designed to support and recognize our mid-level faculty and is named in honor of Dr. Vivian Pinn, the only woman and only African American graduate of the UVA School of Medicine Class of 1967.  These faculty were chosen on the basis of their past research accomplishments and a proposed research project, to take their work in novel directions.   CENTER FOR MEMBRANE AND CELL PHYSIOLOGY PINN SCHOLARS: Brant Isakson, PhD Associate Professor, Molecular Physiology & Biological Physics Project: Identification and characterization of Zika virus … [Read more...]

            Biochemist Edward H. Egelman (Photo by Dan Addison, University Communications) Excerpt from the article in UVA Today, October 03, 2016, by Fariss Samarrai, farisss@virginia.edu Egelman, Kron, Petri Named UVA’s 2016 Distinguished Scientists Edward H. Egelman Harrison Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Described by his nominator Anindya Dutta, who chairs the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, as “the world’s go-to person” for developing imaging and mathematical tools for … [Read more...]

"Congratulations to Kodi Ravichandran, PhD, Harrison Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, on receiving the Odysseus 1 Award, from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO), Belgium. This award, provided by the Flemish government, is designed to attract outstanding researchers who have built a career outside of Belgium, providing them with funds to initiate and develop a research group within a Flemish university. Dr. Ravichandran won an open competition for this award, and was ranked first among the candidates." To read more go to … [Read more...]

    From the Pew Charitable Trusts website: "The Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences provides funding to young investigators of outstanding promise in science relevant to the advancement of human health. The program makes grants to selected academic institutions to support the independent research of outstanding individuals who are in their first few years of their appointment at the assistant professor level." Please visit the site to read about Dr. O'Rourke's award winning research.   The Pew Scholars Program "My lab plans to uncover the complete network of … [Read more...]

Abstract Many biopolymers, including polysaccharides, must be translocated across at least one membrane to reach their site of biological function. Cellulose is a linear glucose polymer synthesized and secreted by a membrane-integrated cellulose synthase. Here, in crystallo enzymology with the catalytically active bacterial cellulose synthase BcsA-BcsB complex reveals structural snapshots of a complete cellulose biosynthesis cycle, from substrate binding to polymer translocation. Substrate- and product-bound structures of BcsA provide the basis for substrate recognition and demonstrate … [Read more...]

Computer model of how the influenza virus invades cells Every year, influenza vaccines save many lives, but no effective medicines are available to those who have already been infected. Wallenberg Academy Fellow Peter Kasson will develop a computer model with atomic-level resolution showing how the influenza virus infects cells. Improved understanding of this process may lay the foundation for new treatments....Read more: http://www.wallenbergacademyfellows.se/en/List-of-scientists/Peter-Kasson/ … [Read more...]

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine have discovered how the deadly Ebola virus punches its way into the cytoplasm of cells. The finding identifies an important target for blocking the infection process of this incurable disease that many fear may be used for bioterror. Outbreaks of this extremely dangerous, highly contagious virus are now under way in the African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola kills up to 90 percent of people who contract it. In addition to the toll on human life in the areas already affected, there is significant concern that it … [Read more...]