Rather than using the traditional approach of identifying the DNA sequences where regulatory factors bind, the Center will develop novel technologies that identify the proteins that bind to particular DNA regions. Through this approach, investigators may be able to identify entirely new regulatory proteins. The researchers' ultimate goal is to develop a toolbox that can be used to better understand the relationship between changes in protein-DNA interactions and the underlying complex machinery controlling genes. Their approach combines DNA chip technology with very powerful and highly sensitive new instruments for identifying proteins.

"When we figure that out, we can use the information to understand what the rules are; without this information, we are flying blind," says Dr. Smith.

The work of the new Center builds on a long-standing collaboration between the groups at the Medical College and UW-Madison as part of their joint NIH-supported National Center of Proteomics Research. The new Wisconsin Center of Excellence builds on the existing strength in areas such as proteomics, genomics, chemistry, and bioinformatics, especially at the Biotechnology and Bioengineering Center at MCW and the Genome Center of Wisconsin at UW-Madison.

In addition to Drs Olivier and Smith, the Center of Excellence includes Dr. Lisa Cirillo, associate professor of cell biology, neurobiology and anatomy (MCW), Dr. Joshua Coon, associate professor of chemistry (UW Madison), Dr. Steven Duncan, the Marcus Professor of Human and Molecular Genetics (MCW), Dr. Melinda Dwinell, assistant professor of physiology at the HMGC (MCW), Dr. Audrey Gasch, assistant professor of genetics and GCW Member (UW-Madison), Dr. Andrew Greene, professor of physiology and director of the BBC (MCW), Dr. Jozef Lazar, associate professor of dermatology at the HMGC (MCW), Dr. Mingyu Liang, associate professor of physiology (MCW), Dr. Shama Mirza, assistant professor of biochemistry at the BBC (MCW), Dr. Craig Struble, associate professor of mathematics, statistics, and computer science (Marquette University), Dr. Scott Terhune, assistant professor of microbiology and molecular genetics at the BBC (MCW), Dr. James Thomson, professor of anatomy and GCW Member (UW Madison), and Dr. Simon Twigger, assistant professor of physiology at the BBC (MCW).

Source: Medical College of Wisconsin