nearly $1 million
Dr. Paul F. Agris, professor
of biochemistry in the College
of Agriculture and Life Sciences, in April received a $966,900 grant
from the National Institutes of Health
to support his research on the evolution of modifications of the genetic
code.
This research may provide
new avenues to affect genetic diseases and to contend with the increasing
seriousness of drug-resistant strains of infectious organisms.
The award represents 23
consecutive years of NIH funding for Agris’ research. According
to James L. Oblinger, College dean, “This grant signifies NIH’s
recognition of the continuing importance of this research area and Agris’
long-term contributions to our understanding of protein synthesis.”
The grant will allow Agris
to hire two to four graduate and post-graduate students to perform valuable
research in transfer RNA — the translators of the genetic code
into the protein amino acid sequence. It will also allow Agris and the
College to find additional private support for these research endeavors.
—Dee
Shore
