University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

Published: December 7, 2006

By KEVIN FRYLING
Reporter Staff Writer

The desire to make an impact brought Michael Yu, a researcher studying the biological function of the protein methylation in gene expression, to a career in biological science.

Michael Yu, who joined the faculty of the Department of Biological Sciences this fall, says he decided to study microbiology because he wanted to investigate an area of science in which he could have a tremendous impact.
PHOTO: NANCY J. PARISI

On an underlying level, Yu says the sort of basic, ground-floor research he and other biological scientists perform—research providing deeper insight into fundamental genetic processes—plays an important role in translational scientific projects aimed at curing human disease.

"When I was an undergraduate, I wanted to study an area of science that I felt will have a tremendous impact," says Yu, who joined the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, as an assistant professor this fall. "That's why I chose microbiology."

Yu earned bachelor's and master's degrees in microbiology from the University of Illinois-Urbana in 1993 and 1995, respectively, and then continued his studies at UCLA, receiving a doctorate in microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics in 2001.

While in California, the "unconventional" biological processes in protozoan parasites began to interest him, says Yu, noting that the strange biology in these organisms led to the subject he studies today. "While I was studying molecular parasitology, I was also being drawn into this whole field of gene expression," he explains. "I became interested in the post-transcriptional level of regulation."

Post-transcriptional modification, he continues, refers to the chemical process through which an enzyme modifies a protein so that it can trigger multiple "molecular switches inside a cell." The process enables faster responses to chemical and external stimuli, as well as increases a cell's "proteomic repertoire," meaning a single protein can be modified in order to perform multiple functions.

From 2001-06, Yu participated in a joint postdoctoral fellowship program at Harvard Medical School and Dana-Farber Cancer Center in Boston. An advisor there piqued his interest in post-transcriptional gene expression, a process through which DNA in a cell nucleus is transformed into a protein. Yu's current studies are focused on one specific enzyme, called protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT), whose multiple functions include a role in regulating gene expression.

It might come as a surprise, however, to learn the organism that contains the complicated enzyme appears so simple. The model organism in Yu's studies—common baker's yeast—seems more suited to an old-fashioned kitchen than a high-tech lab.

Yet according to Yu, yeast frequently yields answers to tough genetic questions. Evolution has conserved the enzyme, he explains. "Many things you learn in yeast, you can translate them into human cells."

In fact, he notes, PRMT also possesses a homologue in mammals other than humans, pointing out different researchers turned off the enzyme's production in mice, revealing its absence halts development, which eventually causes death. "So you know that this particular enzyme has a role in development," he says.

Moreover, Yu's own research suggests that overproduction of PRMT in yeast causes a protective effect in cells, a phenomenon that could interest cancer researchers.

Cells contain numerous mechanisms to prevent cancerous mutations, he explains, including such capabilities as recombination and DNA repair. "What I found," he says, "is that this particular modification helps the machineries in the cell to maintain a stable state of the genome."

A paper co-authored by Yu that details these conclusions was published in the Dec. 1 issue of Genes and Development. The results represent several years of research, he says.

"Clearly," he notes, "what we want to do now is see whether or not a similar sort of mechanism occurs in mammalian cells."

Among Yu's collaborators on the paper is David A. Sinclair, a scientist at the Harvard Medical School best known for his research suggesting red wine contains a molecule that slows the effects of aging.

Yu's research into PRMT and gene expression will proceed at UB, although the fall semester has been spent establishing lab space in Cooke Hall on the North Campus, and speaking about his research topic to graduate students. Next semester, he begins to train students participating in lab rotations. "First-year graduate students go through different labs to get to know the research and learn the process," he says. Those who choose to continue in his lab will work on their thesis projects under his guidance.

His first semester at UB has only strengthened early good impressions, Yu adds. "I think it's a great department," he says of Biological Sciences, noting the diverse interests of the faculty. "Also," he points out, "there's the UB 2020 initiative. Clearly, there is a very good vision in place, investing resources, both in terms of financial resources, as well as people."

The adjustment to Buffalo after living in the Boston area has not been a problem, he continues. "Amherst is a very nice suburb," says Yu. "I grew up in a suburb of Chicago." A native of Taiwan—"I did not speak a word of English," he recalls—Yu arrived in the United States at age 12 and settled in Niles, Ill., just west of the Windy City. "Amherst reminds me a lot of the whole environment out there," he says.

Although the demanding schedule of an assistant professor means little time to sample Buffalo's cultural life, Yu aims to get out soon to catch a classical concert or night of jazz. "I enjoy all the fine arts," he says, adding that playing and watching sports also are among his pastimes. "I would love to learn more about hockey," he says, noting the success so far of this year's Sabres team.