About: sugiyama

Website

http://oak.cats.ohiou.edu/~sugiyama/

Profile

My research focuses on the mechanisms of homologous DNA recombination. More specifically, we are studying 1) repair of DNA double-strand break by recombination and 2) meiotic recombination of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. What is DNA double-strand break repair? Living cells are constantly exposed to natural and artificial DNA damaging agents. In growing cells, DNA replication causes numbers of DNA breaks that need prompt repair; otherwise cells will die or develop cancer. Among all type of DNA damages, DNA double-strand break (DSB) is the most serious damages cell undergoes constantly. It is repaired mainly by DNA recombination. What is meiotic DNA recombination? Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction, but it is error-prone: failures of meiosis result in miscarriages and chromosomal disorders such as Down�s syndrome. In majority of organisms including human and yeast, DNA recombination plays a critical role to ensure correct distribution of chromosomes into sperms/eggs My research Meiotic recombination and DSB repair utilize common mechanism. On the other hand, they also differ significantly. By using yeast as a model organism, we are trying to elucidate molecular mechanisms of DNA recombination. Currently, my research has two focuses. One is about the function of Rad51/Rad52/RPA, which is playing important roles in both DSB repair and meiotic recombination. Another project is about a meiosis-specific process: the function of Spo11 and cofactors in the initiation of meiotic recombination. Teaching Bios225 (Genetics of Human Society) is an introductory genetics class for non-major students. Bios320 (Fundamentals of Animal Cell Biology) consists a �core course� for all Biological Science major students. Bios489/589 (Microbial Physiology Lecture and Lab.) is designed for junior/senior students