Staff
Biochemistry Coordinator
Dr Andy J. Pratt
Bioorganic chemistry; synthesis and enzymology related to anti-cancer drugs and herbicides; prebiotic chemistry. (CHEM room 836)
Assoc Prof Richard Hartshorn
The reactivity of small, biologically relevant molecules that are bound to metal ions. The reactivities of small molecules are modified when they are co-ordinated to metal ions. Nature exploits these effects on reactivity in the construction of many enzyme sites, and thereby achieves catalysis of reactions which would otherwise proceed too slowly to be useful in a living system. As a result, of our studies, we hope to gain insights into the ways in which nature achieves and controls such chemical reactions. These studies may also point to the ways in which such chemistry may go astray, for example through undesirable reactions induced by UV light. (CHEM Room 830)
Dr Ashley Garrill
Membrane transport proteins. Mechanosensitive ion channels. Electrophysiology. Pathogenic fungi. Turgor regulation. (von Haast room 435)
Prof Juliet A. Gerrard
Structure, function and reactivity of proteins; application of protein science to medicine, agriculture and food science. The Maillard reaction of proteins, and the implication of these reactions in food and medicine. Enzymology of lysine biosynthesis. (von Haast room 439)
Assoc Prof Steven Gieseg
In the Free Radical Biochemistry laboratory we are investigating the interaction between free radicals, antioxidants and cells during disease processes such as Coronary Heart Disease. The main focus of the research is the exploration of the cellular antioxidant mechanisms used by immune cell during inflammation. We are also interested in characterising antioxidant levels in marine animals. The research work involves tissue culture and cell preparation procedures with spectrophotometric and HPLC based analysis. (von Haast room 433b)
Prof Jack Heinemann
Molecular biology, microbial evolution, antibiotic resistance. (von Haast room 226)
Dr Dru Mason
Molecular mechanism of transmembrane and intracellular signalling. (BIOL room B627)
Professor Ian Shaw
Mechanisms of Toxicity, particularly the impact of environmental contaminants on humans (CHEM room 754)
Prof Antony Fairbanks
Organic Synthesis, Carbohydrate Chemistry, Chemical Biology (CHEM room 860)
Assoc Prof Emily Parker
Evolution and molecular details of enzymic catalysis. (CHEM room 758)
Dr Anthony Poole
Early evolution of cells; origin and evolution of Eukaryotes; horizontal gene transfer. (von Haast room 466)
Dr Arvind Varsani
Virus recombination and evolution; Isolation and characterisation of novel DNA viruses. (von Haast room 439)
Dr Ren Dobson
Interdisciplinary research blending structural biology with chemistry, enzymology, and biochemistry.
BIC
Dr F. Grant Pearce
Protein Chemistry, Structure-Function Studies, Enzyme Kinetics and Inhibition, Protein Crystallography (von Haast room 452/129)
Adjunct
Professor John W. Blunt and Professor Murray H.G. Munro
The detection and isolation of compounds extracted from marine organisms and native New Zealand plants with potential as anti-fungal, anti-viral or anti-cancer agents. All extracts are screened for activity against a DNA and in RNA virus, a murine cell line and a variety of bacteria. Nuclear magnetic resonance (J.W. Blunt). (Chem rooms 754 and 758)
Retired
Professor Andrew D. Abell
Pharmaceutical bioorganic chemistry; the design, synthesis and biological testing of inhibition of enzymes of medicinal importance e.g. HIV-protease and steroid 5-alpha reductase. Applications to drug design. (Chem room 856)