Heme Proteins and their Reactivity with Nitric Oxide

Overview  

Dr. Andrew's research group studies the molecular structure and reactivity of iron-containing heme proteins (similar to hemoglobin in blood).  They are particularly interested in how heme proteins react with nitric oxide gas (NO), an important biological signaling molecule (hormone) that helps lower blood pressure.  When NO binds to the iron of a heme protein it changes the protein structure, which then causes a physiological response. The goal of this research is to determine the link between the heme protein structure and its reactivity with NO.  Heme proteins are intensely colored (red-brown), which allows us to study their reactions with spectroscopic techniques such as UV-vis absorption. The spectroscopic measurements provide information about the molecular structure of the heme center, and can also be used to measure the speed of  reactions (kinetics). For rapid reactions with NO, a stopped-flow kinetic system is used to measure reactions on the millisecond timescale.

Student Role  

Dr. Andrew's research at EOU is student conducted. Typical research activities include:  designing and performing experiments, analyzing data, writing reports, training other students in research techniques, presenting results at conferences, and writing articles for scientificpublications. 

Throughout the school year, students carry out part-time research for academic credit through the CHEM 401 course. Students can also be employed as full time research assistants over the summer through an RUI  (Research at Undergraduate Institutions) grant from the National Science Foundation. EOU is fortunate to have research equipment normally only found at large universities. Students also travel to other universities to perform experiments, including the Oregon Graduate Institute (Portland) and North Dakota State University (Fargo). As well as participating in the EOU Spring symposium, students regularly travel to conferences to present their research. In 2006, students presented research at conferences in Portugal, Atlanta, and San Francisco. Students publish their research in the EO Science Journal, as well as in international peer-reviewed journals such as “Biochemistry.”

 The typical size of a research group is 6-8 students. In addition to receiving academic credit, students get exposure to what research is really like (the satisfactions and challenges). This helps students decide if they might be interested in a research career. No matter what a student’s future plans, the transferable skills gained from conducting research, analyzing data, and communicating results, are highly valued by all types of employers as well as by graduate schools.

To Inquire About a Research Position 

Dr. Andrew encourages students at any level (freshman to senior) to drop by his office anytime to talk about research opportunities.  The earlier a student gets involved, the better.