MINERALS
3MT INTEGRATIVE GRADUATE EDUCATION
AND RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM
  
METALS
METALLOIDS
 
TOXICITY
    
   
IGERT Trainees
 
 

Matthew Bobiak: 2007-2009 IGERT Trainee  

Nickname: Matt

Hometown: Media, PA

Undergrad University: Pennsylvania State University

Undergraduate Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Graduate Advisor: Dr. Daniel Bogenhagen

Graduate Program: Molecular & Cellular Biology

email: bobiak at pharm.stonybrook.edu

Research Interests: Replication and Repair of Oxidative DNA Lesions in the Mitochondrial Genome

The mitochondrial genome is subjected to higher levels of oxidative stress than the nuclear genome because of the proximity of the genome to the ROS generating electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation mechanisms required for cellular survival.  Oxidative DNA lesions can occur directly by reaction of the DNA with ROS molecules or through the secondary effects of lipid peroxidation.  My research focuses on the replication and repair of the mitochondrial genome under increased oxidative pressure.  As part of the 3MT IGERT, I am investigating the impact that ROS generated either by exogenous H2O2 or exposure to iron-containing salts and particulates has on the replication of the mitochondrial genome.  Both effects of primary and secondary oxidative lesions are being considered.  Additionally, I an attempting to characterize a mitochondrial protein responsible for direct reversal of lipid peroxidation adducts which inhibit the replication of polymerase gamma.