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Yvonne Gindt

Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Science and Mathematics

Office:
Richardson Hall 350
Email:
gindty@montclair.edu
Phone:
973-655-3469
Degrees:
B.S., University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
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Profile

I am trained as a biophysical chemist which means I am interested in solving problems at the interface of chemistry, physics, and biology.

My current research interest is focused on the mechanisms of different proteins that belong to the blue-light photoreceptors, specifically the DNA photolyases and the CRY-DASH proteins. DNA photolyase is a FAD containing protein that is able to repair UV-damaged DNA using blue light driven electron transfer. CRY-DASH proteins appear to both repair UV-damaged DNA (like DNA photolyase) but also seem to have a role in entrainment of circadian rhythm similar to some of the plant cryptochrome proteins.

My laboratory uses a number of important techniques to study these systems including absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy along with isothermal titration calorimetry.

Specialization

Biophysical chemistry. I am specifically interested in the mechanisms by which DNA repair enzymes recognize lesions on DNA.

Resume/CV

Office Hours

Spring

Monday
7:30 am - 8:30 am
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Thursday
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Links

Research Projects

DNA Photolyase

DNA Photolyase is an enzyme that repairs UV-damaged DNA. We are studying the mechanism of damage recognition using isothermal titration calorimetry.

Cryptochrome (VcCry1)

VcCry1 appears to be a single strand DNA repair enzyme. We are using isothermal titration calorimetry to understand its mechanism to recognize lesions on the DNA. We are also studying the oligomeric state of the enzyme and its role in DNA binding.