Research Interests: Genetic Analysis of Human Chromosomes
This laboratory is involved in the molecular and genetic analysis of human and other mammalian chromosomes. For instance, telomeres are important in stabilizing chromosomal ends and are thought to have a role in cellular senescence. Additionally, telomeric regions of mammalian chromosomes are longer in spermatozoa than those present in the somatic cells. The nature of the telomere –binding protein(s) also remains poorly defined in mammalian systems. Current data also indicate that any impairment in telomere biosynthesis and organization may lead to their instability and subsequent chromosome loss and/or disorders. Our major objective is to provide a better understanding of telomere dynamics and organization in mammalian cells. Our laboratory is also interested in defining the organization and role of the Y chromosome during mammalian spermatogenesis and human evolution. Other studies focus on the regulation of gene expression during cellular differentiation.
These studies involve genomic and cDNA library construction for cloning and isolation of relevant DNA fragments, DNA sequence analysis, chromosome walking, mRNA analysis and its expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and product analysis using HPLC, electrophoresis, and immunochemical procedures. The experimental approach, therefore, involves techniques from biochemistry, immunology, cell and molecular biology.
Representative Publications:
Balczon, R, Wilson, M, Bhatnagar, Y.M. Analysis of detached human kinetochores. Chromasoma 112:96-102 (2003).
Bhatnagar, Y.M. , Zheng, J. and Saxena, K.M.S Neutrophil chromosomal domains in sickle cell disease. 25th Annual Meeting, The National Sickle Cell Disease Program, 33 (2001).
Bhatnagar, Y.M. and Wang, G. Triplex DNA formation is enhanced by ethanol. 24th Annual Meeting, The National Sickle Cell Disease Program, 92A (2000).
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