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The Papoian Group

DNA Compaction
One of the research foci in the Papoian Group aims to understand the way DNA is packaged in the nuclei of higher organisms. The total length of DNA in each eukaryotic cell can reach 2 m, however, it must be housed in a micrometer size cell. This staggering six orders of magnitude compaction is achieved by wrapping DNA around protein octamers called histones, to form nucleosomes. The latter in turn fold into a superstructure called the 30-nm fiber, which then further folds into higher order chromatin structures. The exact mechanisms of chromatin formation and dynamics are not fully understood, but misregulation of chromatin may result in human genetic diseases. Members of the Papoian Group develop physico-chemical computational models to study the chromatin folding and dynamics.

The Jeff Johnson Group

The Jeff Johnson Group focuses on the development of new synthetic methods for the assembly of stereochemically complex small molecules. We are particularly interested in the design and synthesis of tailor-made reagents and catalysts for multicomponent reactions. In our recent investigations of several interesting problems, our continuing interest in the exploitation of ring strain as a source of novel reactivity led us to some mechanistically unusual heterocycle-forming cycloadditions of cyclopropanes and aldehydes. On another front, we are interested in the development of dipolar synthons for the coupling of complementary nucleophilic and electrophilic reaction partners. Our development of silyl glyoxylate reagents is an example of work in this area.