About
Highly accomplished Professor with over 40 years of expertise in ligand-nucleic acid interactions, transcriptional regulation, and methods development, specializing in biochemistry and molecular biology. Proven leader in securing substantial grant funding and driving innovative research, particularly in extremophile organisms and DNA-binding mechanisms. Dedicated to fostering scientific inquiry and mentoring the next generation of researchers in primarily undergraduate institutions.
Michael W. Van Dyke
Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Kennesaw, US.Education
The Rockefeller University
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Postdoctoral Fellow
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
California Institute of Technology
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PhD
Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Work
Kennesaw State University
|Professor (Chemistry and Biochemistry)
Kennesaw, GA, US
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Summary
Led advanced research and taught chemistry and biochemistry, focusing on ligand-nucleic acid interactions and transcriptional regulation while securing significant external funding.
Highlights
Secured over $1.5M in competitive grants from institutions like the National Institute of General Medical Sciences and the National Science Foundation, funding critical research into transcription factor discovery and nucleic acid analysis.
Directed cutting-edge research projects on transcription factor discovery in extremophile organisms (Thermus thermophilus) and opportunistic pathogens (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), advancing understanding of gene regulation.
Developed and implemented novel methods for studying ligand-nucleic acid interactions, including the use of biolayer interferometry and advanced spectroscopic techniques, enhancing research capabilities at undergraduate institutions.
Published numerous peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals such as Molecular Microbiology and Journal of Biological Chemistry, contributing to over 79 total publications in the field.
Mentored undergraduate researchers, guiding them through complex biochemical experiments and fostering their development in scientific methodology and critical thinking.
Western Carolina University
|Associate Professor (Chemistry and Physics)
Cullowhee, NC, US
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Summary
Contributed to the Chemistry and Physics departments through teaching and research, focusing on molecular interactions and methods development.
Highlights
Developed and delivered comprehensive curriculum in chemistry and physics, engaging students in complex scientific principles and laboratory techniques.
Conducted independent research exploring molecular mechanisms, building upon a strong foundation in ligand-nucleic acid interactions and transcriptional regulation.
Contributed to the academic community through departmental service and collaborative initiatives, enhancing the research and educational environment.
Mentored junior researchers and students, fostering their growth in scientific inquiry and preparing them for advanced studies or careers in science.
The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
|Member
Houston, TX, US
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Summary
Contributed as a key member to biomedical research initiatives, specializing in molecular and cellular oncology.
Highlights
Played a pivotal role in research on small molecule-DNA interactions and general eukaryotic transcription mechanisms, contributing to significant advancements in the field over a 21-year tenure.
Applied and developed combinatorial selection methods, including REPSA, to identify preferred DNA-binding sequences for various proteins and ligands, enhancing drug discovery and understanding of gene regulation.
Published extensively on topics such as nucleolin protein interactions, ribosome preservation during quiescence, and the molecular mechanisms of histone deacetylase regulation, contributing to over 50 publications during this period.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams on projects related to tumor biology and molecular oncology, translating complex biochemical findings into clinically relevant insights.
Mentored graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, guiding their research projects and contributing to their professional development in biomedical sciences.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
|Assistant Biologist / Associate Biologist (Tumor Biology / Molecular and Cellular Oncology)
Houston, TX, US
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Summary
Conducted advanced biological research within tumor biology and molecular/cellular oncology, progressing from Assistant to Associate Biologist.
Highlights
Initiated and executed independent research projects focused on the molecular mechanisms underlying tumor biology and cellular oncology, contributing to the institution's mission.
Utilized and refined techniques such as immobilized metal affinity chromatography and G*G multiplex nucleic acids to investigate complex biological pathways relevant to cancer research.
Published critical findings on topics including parthenolide's role in p53 activation and histone deacetylase depletion, advancing understanding of cancer therapeutics.
Collaborated effectively with a diverse team of scientists and clinicians, contributing specialized expertise in molecular interactions and gene regulation to large-scale research initiatives.
Maintained rigorous laboratory standards and contributed to the development of new experimental protocols, ensuring high-quality and reproducible research outcomes.
The Rockefeller University
|Senior Research Scientist (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
New York, NY, US
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Summary
Led advanced research in biochemistry and molecular biology, contributing to foundational discoveries in gene regulation and DNA interactions.
Highlights
Conducted high-impact research on DNA-binding and transcriptional properties of human transcription factor TFIID, contributing to a seminal publication in Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Investigated the physical analysis of transcription preinitiation complex assembly on class II gene promoters, publishing findings in Science.
Explored the binding of multiple proteins to VA RNA genes of adenovirus Type 2, contributing to a deeper understanding of viral gene expression.
Utilized advanced molecular biology techniques to characterize complex protein-DNA interactions, setting the stage for future research in gene regulation.
Collaborated with leading scientists in a world-renowned research environment, contributing to the institution's legacy of scientific excellence.
Awards
Transcription Factor Discovery in the Opportunistic Pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Awarded By
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (Bethesda)
Awarded R16GM154191 grant to investigate transcription factor discovery in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a project spanning July 2024 to June 2028.
RUI: Transcription Factor Discovery in the Extremophile Thermus Thermophilus
Awarded By
Directorate for Biological Sciences (Arlington)
Received grant (2041202) for research on transcription factor discovery in Thermus thermophilus, active from July 2021 to June 2024.
RUI: Transcription Factor Discovery in the Extremophile Thermus Thermophilus
Awarded By
Directorate for Biological Sciences (Arlington)
Awarded grant (1714778) for transcription factor discovery in Thermus thermophilus, spanning July 2017 to June 2021.
RUI: Refractory Cleavage Sites to Elucidate Type IIS Restriction Endonuclease Mechanisms
Awarded By
Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences
Secured grant (1709263) to elucidate mechanisms of Type IIS restriction endonucleases through refractory cleavage sites, active from September 2017 to August 2019.
MRI: Acquisition of a Nucleic Acid Analyzer for Research and Teaching
Awarded By
National Science Foundation - Directorate for Biological Sciences (Arlington)
Obtained grant (1624654) for the acquisition of a nucleic acid analyzer, enhancing research and teaching capabilities from August 2016 to July 2019.
DNA-Binding Protein Discovery by the Combinatorial Method REPSA
Awarded By
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (Bethesda)
Received grant (R15GM104833) to develop and apply the REPSA combinatorial method for DNA-binding protein discovery, active from July 2013 to June 2017.
MRI: Acquisition of a Spectropolarimeter
Awarded By
Directorate for Biological Sciences (Arlington)
Secured grant (1337781) for the acquisition of a spectropolarimeter, supporting research from October 2013 to September 2016.
Publications
A CsoR family transcriptional regulator, TTHA1953, controls the sulfur oxidation pathway in Thermus thermophilus HB8
Published by
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Summary
Journal article identifying TTHA1953 as a CsoR family transcriptional regulator that controls the sulfur oxidation pathway in Thermus thermophilus HB8.
Using Restriction Endonuclease, Protection, Selection, and Amplification to Identify Preferred DNA-Binding Sequences of Microbial Transcription Factors
Published by
Microbiology Spectrum
Summary
Journal article presenting a method utilizing restriction endonuclease protection, selection, and amplification for identifying preferred DNA-binding sequences of microbial transcription factors.
Identification of the Preferred DNA-Binding Sequence and Transcription Regulatory Network for the Thermophilic Zinc Uptake Regulator TTHA1292
Published by
Journal of Bacteriology
Summary
Journal article detailing the identification of the preferred DNA-binding sequence and transcription regulatory network for the Thermophilic Zinc Uptake Regulator TTHA1292.
Discovering the DNA-Binding Consensus of the Thermus thermophilus HB8 Transcriptional Regulator TTHA1359
Published by
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Summary
Journal article focused on discovering the DNA-binding consensus sequence for the Thermus thermophilus HB8 transcriptional regulator TTHA1359.
Determination and Dissection of DNA-Binding Specificity for the Thermus thermophilus HB8 Transcriptional Regulator TTHB099
Published by
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Summary
Journal article investigating and dissecting the DNA-binding specificity of the Thermus thermophilus HB8 transcriptional regulator TTHB099.
Identification and Characterization of Preferred DNA-Binding Sites for the Thermus thermophilus HB8 Transcriptional Regulator TTHA0973
Published by
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Summary
Journal article identifying and characterizing the preferred DNA-binding sites for the Thermus thermophilus HB8 transcriptional regulator TTHA0973.
Identification of Preferred DNA-Binding Sites for the Thermus thermophilus Transcriptional Regulator SbtR by the Combinatorial Approach REPSA
Published by
PLOS ONE
Summary
Journal article on the identification of preferred DNA-binding sites for the Thermus thermophilus transcriptional regulator SbtR using the REPSA combinatorial approach.
Triplex DNA-binding proteins are associated with clinical outcomes revealed by proteomic measurements in patients with colorectal cancer
Published by
journal-article
Summary
Journal article exploring the association of triplex DNA-binding proteins with clinical outcomes in colorectal cancer patients through proteomic analysis.
REPSA: combinatorial approach for identifying preferred drug-DNA binding sequences.
Published by
Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.)
Summary
Journal article outlining the REPSA combinatorial approach for identifying preferred drug-DNA binding sequences within molecular biology methods.
Constitutive and inducible nuclear factor-KB in immortalized normal human bronchial epithelial and non-small cell lung cancer cell lines
Published by
journal-article
Summary
Journal article examining constitutive and inducible nuclear factor-KB activity in immortalized normal human bronchial epithelial and non-small cell lung cancer cell lines.
Parthenolide Specifically Depletes Histone Deacetylase 1 Protein and Induces Cell Death through Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated
Published by
journal-article
Summary
Journal article demonstrating that parthenolide specifically depletes Histone Deacetylase 1 protein and induces cell death via Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated pathway.
Depletion of histone deacetylase protein: a common consequence of inflammatory cytokine signaling?
Published by
journal-article
Summary
Journal article exploring whether depletion of histone deacetylase protein is a common outcome of inflammatory cytokine signaling.
Depletion of histone deacetylase protein: A common consequence of inflammatory cytokine signaling?
Published by
Cell Cycle
Summary
Journal article investigating if histone deacetylase protein depletion is a common consequence of inflammatory cytokine signaling.
Stm1p, a Ribosome-associated Protein, is Important for Protein Synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under Nutritional Stress Conditions
Published by
journal-article
Summary
Journal article on the importance of Stm1p, a ribosome-associated protein, for protein synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under nutritional stress.
Stm1p, a G4 quadruplex and purine motif triplex nucleic acid-binding protein, interacts with ribosomes and subtelomeric Y' DNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published by
journal-article
Summary
Journal article investigating the interactions of Stm1p, a G4 quadruplex and purine motif triplex nucleic acid-binding protein, with ribosomes and subtelomeric Y' DNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
The yeast CDP1 gene encodes a triple-helical DNA-binding protein
Published by
Nucleic Acids Research
Summary
Journal article reporting that the yeast CDP1 gene encodes a triple-helical DNA-binding protein.
Differential effects of cyclopolyamines on the stability and conformation of tripler DNA
Published by
Antisense and Nucleic Acid Drug Development
Summary
Journal article investigating the differential effects of cyclopolyamines on the stability and conformation of triplex DNA.
Self-association of G-rich oligodeoxyribonucleotides under conditions promoting purine-motif triplex formation
Published by
Antisense and Nucleic Acid Drug Development
Summary
Journal article investigating the self-association of G-rich oligodeoxyribonucleotides under conditions favoring purine-motif triplex formation.
Effects of chain length modification and bis(ethyl) substitution of spermine analogs on purine-purine-pyrimidine triplex DNA stabilization, aggregation, and conformational transitions
Published by
journal-article
Summary
Journal article analyzing the effects of chain length modification and bis(ethyl) substitution of spermine analogs on triplex DNA stability, aggregation, and conformational changes.
Transcription factor AP2 is required for expression of the rat transforming growth factor-a gene
Published by
journal-article
Summary
Journal article demonstrating the requirement of transcription factor AP2 for the expression of the rat transforming growth factor-alpha gene.
Sequence specificity of triplex DNA formation: Analysis by a combinatorial approach, restriction endonuclease protection selection and amplification
Published by
journal-article
Summary
Journal article analyzing the sequence specificity of triplex DNA formation using a combinatorial approach, restriction endonuclease protection selection, and amplification.
Indirect use of immobilized metal affinity chromatography for isolation and characterization of protein partners.
Published by
Genetic engineering
Summary
Journal article discussing the indirect use of immobilized metal affinity chromatography for isolating and characterizing protein partners in genetic engineering.
Polyamine effects on purine-purine-pyrimidine triple helix formation by phosphodiester and phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotides
Published by
Nucleic Acids Research
Summary
Journal article examining polyamine effects on purine-purine-pyrimidine triple helix formation by phosphodiester and phosphorothioate oligodeoxyribonucleotides.
Published by
Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Gene Structure and Expression
Summary
Journal article demonstrating that Sp1, USF, and GAL4 activate transcription independently of TFIID-downstream promoter interactions.
Oligodeoxyribonucleotide length and sequence effects on intermodular purine-purine-pyrimidine triple-helix formation
Published by
Nucleic Acids Research
Summary
Journal article investigating the effects of oligodeoxyribonucleotide length and sequence on intermodular purine-purine-pyrimidine triple-helix formation.
Monovalent cation effects on intermolecular purine - purine - pyrimidine triple-helix formation
Published by
Nucleic Acids Research
Summary
Journal article investigating monovalent cation effects on intermolecular purine-purine-pyrimidine triple-helix formation.
An alternatively spliced mRNA from the AP-2 gene encodes a negative regulator of transcriptional activation by AP-2
Published by
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Summary
Journal article reporting that an alternatively spliced mRNA from the AP-2 gene encodes a negative regulator of transcriptional activation by AP-2.
A rapid method for the purification of deprotected oligodeoxynucleotides
Published by
Nucleic Acids Research
Summary
Journal article presenting a rapid method for purifying deprotected oligodeoxynucleotides.
DNA-binding and transcriptional properties of human transcription factor TFIID after mild proteolysis
Published by
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Summary
Journal article on the DNA-binding and transcriptional properties of human transcription factor TFIID following mild proteolysis.
Stability of transcription complexes on class II genes
Published by
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Summary
Journal article investigating the stability of transcription complexes on class II genes.
Multiple forms of the human gene-specific transcription factor USF. I. Complete purification and identification of USF from HeLa cell nuclei
Published by
Journal of Biological Chemistry
Summary
Journal article detailing the complete purification and identification of multiple forms of human gene-specific transcription factor USF from HeLa cell nuclei.
Physical analysis of transcription preinitiation complex assembly on a class II gene promoter
Published by
Science
Summary
Journal article providing a physical analysis of transcription preinitiation complex assembly on a class II gene promoter.
Multiple proteins bind to VA RNA genes of adenovirus Type 2
Published by
Molecular and Cellular Biology
Summary
Journal article identifying multiple proteins that bind to VA RNA genes of adenovirus Type 2.
Novobiocin interferes with the binding of transcription factors TFIIA and TFIIIC to the promoters of class III genes
Published by
Nucleic Acids Research
Summary
Journal article demonstrating that Novobiocin interferes with the binding of transcription factors TFIIA and TFIIIC to class III gene promoters.
Two forms of transcription factor TFIIIC in extracts from HeLa cells
Published by
Nucleic Acids Research
Summary
Journal article identifying two forms of transcription factor TFIIIC in extracts from HeLa cells.
Echinomycin binding sites on DNA
Published by
Science
Summary
Journal article identifying echinomycin binding sites on DNA.
Chromomycin, mithramycin, and olivomycin binding sites on heterogeneous deoxyribonucleic acid. Footprinting with (methidiumpropyl-EDTA)iron(II)
Published by
Biochemistry
Summary
Journal article detailing the binding sites of chromomycin, mithramycin, and olivomycin on heterogeneous deoxyribonucleic acid using methidiumpropyl-EDTA-iron(II) footprinting.
Footprinting with MPE-Fe(II). Complementary-strand analyses of distamycin- and actinomycin-binding sites on heterogeneous DNA
Published by
Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology
Summary
Journal article presenting complementary-strand analyses of distamycin- and actinomycin-binding sites on heterogeneous DNA using MPE-Fe(II) footprinting.
Map of distamycin, netropsin, and actinomycin binding sites on heterogeneous DNA: DNA cleavage-inhibition patterns with methidiumpropyl-EDTA-Fe(II)
Published by
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Summary
Journal article mapping distamycin, netropsin, and actinomycin binding sites on heterogeneous DNA using DNA cleavage-inhibition patterns with methidiumpropyl-EDTA-Fe(II).
Skills
Research & Development
Ligand-nucleic acid interactions, Iterative selection methods, Transcriptional regulation, Extremophiles, Nonradioactive assay development, Small molecule-DNA interactions, Eukaryotic transcription mechanisms, Combinatorial selection methods, Reverse-genetic approach, DNA-protein interactions, Restriction Endonuclease Protection Assays (REPSA), Biolayer Interferometry, Protein Expression and Purification, PCR Synthesis, Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA), DNA Quantitation, Proteomics, Ribosome homeostasis, Nucleic Acid Analysis, Spectropolarimetry, Tumor Biology, Molecular & Cellular Oncology.
Molecular Biology Techniques
DNA-binding assays, RNA polymerase II transcription, Oligodeoxyribonucleotide synthesis, Immobilized metal affinity chromatography, G*G multiplex nucleic acids, Restriction endonucleases, Infrared-fluorescent probes, Native Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis, Infrared Fluorescence Imaging, Histone deacetylase regulation, MicroRNA biogenesis.
Academic Leadership & Education
Professor, Associate Professor, Curriculum Development, Undergraduate Mentorship, Graduate Student Mentorship, Postdoctoral Fellow Mentorship, Scientific Writing, Peer Review, Grant Writing, Grant Management, Departmental Service.
Scientific Domains
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Microbiology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Cancer Research.
Data Analysis & Interpretation
Experimental Design, Data Analysis, Scientific Reporting.