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Arthur Campbell: 2007-2010 IGERT Trainee  

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email: arthurjohncampbell at gmail.com

Research Interests: Understanding DNA Damage Recognition Using a Molecular Modeling Approach

The "oxygen paradox" eloquently describes the fine line between a cells need for oxygen and the consequences that overexposure to these reactive oxygen species may lead to toxicity. Oxidative DNA damage has been linked to a number of human diseases including cancer. The most common oxidative lesion found in DNA is 8-oxoguanine (8OG). Finding and excising an 8-oxoguanine lesion in a sea of undamaged bases may seem like a daunting task yet Formamidopyrimidine DNA Glycosylase (Fpg) can accomplish this efficiently. In my work I model the Fpg enzyme complexed to a short strand of DNA and measure the energetic barrier for everting a damaged 8OG and an undamaged Guanine. While studying the energetic barriers involved in eversion I also study the components involved in recognition and eversion that have a direct effect on the energetic properties.