Biochemistry Research
Biochemistry research at UC is undertaken jointly between the School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Chemistry.
Biochemical research in Biological Sciences is wide ranging, from the role of free radical damage in the development of vascular disease to amyloid fibril formation and the production of biomaterials.
As biochemistry is an equipment intesive research area, the School has invested heavily in state of the art equipment including GC, HPLC, fluorometric and UV/Vis spectrophotometers, cell culture facilities and a new confocal microsope.
Examples of research include:
- The design and application of channel blockers in plant and fungal cells.
- Investigation of the physiological significance of ion channel subconductance states.
- The mechanism of protection of cells from oxidised cholesterol.
- Analysing atherosclerotic plaques removed from patients during surgery, to determine variation in levels of antioxidant and oxidant through the length of plaque tissue.
- Investigation of the molecular details of the reaction catalysed by DHDPS, and its mode of inhibition by lysine and other molecules, with a view to controlling the reaction and its regulation in vitro and in vivo.
The researchers have good collaborative links outside the School. These links include Christchurch Hospital, Crop and Food Research, the Department of Engineering and the Biomolecular Interaction Centre.
Research Staff
 |
Dr Renwick Dobson Biochemistry |
 |
Prof Juliet Gerrard Biochemistry |
 |
Dr Ashley Garrill Biochemistry |
 |
Dr Steve Gieseg Free Radical Biochemistry |
Research Centre
Biomolecular Interaction Centre (BIC)
