Areas of Interest:

Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics

Bioinformatics

Evolution of Genomes

Evolution of Multigene Families
Mechanisms of Adaptive Evolution

Co-Evolution of Viruses and Immune System

 

 

 

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Kent State University

Bioinformatics, Comparative and Evolutionary Genomics

Dr. Helen Piontkivska

Evolution of Epitopes and Host-Pathogen Interactions           

 

                I am studying the adaptive evolution of epitopes based on host-pathogen (viral) interactions. My research is focused on selective pressures shaping the evolution of epitopes and understanding how the host-pathogen interaction affects it. I am also looking at how the evolution of epitope regions differs from that of other genomic regions of viruses, what epitopes is conserved among different viral subtypes and how the evolution of epitopes is related to development of drug resistance.

SNPs as Cancer Biomarkers

 

             My research focuses on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the potential they have of being used as biomarkers to identify either predisposition to or the progress of cancer.  Our preliminary survey of SNPs in 20 cancer-related genes indicated heterogeneity of SNP distribution among different genes.  Currently we are looking to extend this work to narrow down the list of potential biomarkers.  

Hadley Miller-Atkins

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Sinu Paul

Graduate Research Assistant

Nick Armaro

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Heather Datsko

Undergraduate Research Assistant

RecQ Gene Evolution

 

             I am studying the evolution of the RecQ gene family.  These genes encode for DNA helices and play an important role in DNA replication and repair.  Mutations in these genes can lead to chromosomal instability, growth and function abnormalities, and cancer.  Common syndromes caused by these mutations include Werner syndrome, Bloom syndrome, and Rothmund-Thomson syndrome. 

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Genetic Markers of Pyoderma Gangrenosum Susceptibility

 

             My current project is in bioinformatics data mining of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in inflammation and immune system genes.  We are working to identify genetic markers that indicate a possible susceptibility to the disease Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG), a type of chronic ulcer that is accompanied by a strong inflammation response and is generally challenging to diagnose and treat. PG is usually associated with other systematic diseases, indicating there may be a genetic predisposition for these inflammatory diseases.