overview

• Research in the Hughes lab focuses on the development of protein and small molecule-based reagents for the control and monitoring of biochemical pathways. One project focuses on the development light-activated biosensors for the detection of oxidative stress (a precursor/predictor of numerous degenerative diseases) in cells, while a second project is aimed at developing environmentally sensitive protein-based reagents that initiate biochemical pathways ending in cell death. Finally, the Hughes lab is developing library-based methods for the production of improved protein chimera via a linker optimization strategy. Other areas of interest include methods for the design and selection of improved biocatalysts. ;Students performing research in our lab will have access to a wide variety of experimental techniques, including PCR, molecular cloning, protein expression and purification, western blotting, cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, and numerous biochemical assays. Dr. Hughes is a graduate of Washington and Lee University, East Carolina University, and UNC - Chapel Hill. He completed post-doctoral training at Duke University and the Eshelman School of Pharmacy at UNC - Chapel Hill. He currently resides in Farmville, N.C. ;