Marcia Levitus is a professor with the School of Molecular Sciences and the Biodesign Institute at ASU. Her research group focuses on the development and application of state-of-the-art techniques of single molecule detection to study complex biological systems. They use an interdisciplinary approach that interweaves concepts from physics, chemistry and biology.
In contrast with the more conventional fluorescence techniques, where billions of molecules are sampled simultaneously, single molecule techniques allow the observation of subpopulations and rare events that would otherwise be hidden in the measured average. More importantly, the observation of an individual molecule allows for the study of dynamic aspects of conformational changes without the need to synchronize the entire sample. A related technique, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, is based on the analysis of the fluctuations in the fluorescent signal of a small number of molecules. Correlation analysis of the fluorescence fluctuations yields kinetic information about the dynamic processes that cause the changes in the fluorescent signal.
The research group uses these concepts to investigate the dynamics, structure and kinetics of nucleoprotein assemblies. Specific projects in this line of research include the study of the dynamic aspects of DNA-protein interactions in nucleosomes. The group is interested in characterizing the spontaneous DNA unwrapping and re-wrapping kinetics, and in the study of the effect of ATP-dependent remodeling enzymes.
Her group is also interested in studying the photochemical and photophysical properties of fluorescent dyes that are commonly used for single-molecule applications. Photophysical processes are a source of artifacts that have not been thoroughly explored in many cases. Photochemical reactions, such as isomerizations, produce results that can be interpreted as conformational changes of the macromolecule to which the fluorophore is attached. A careful characterization of the photophysical properties of these fluorophores is critical for correct interpretation of experimental results.
Our research is focused on the development and application of state-of-the-art techniques of single molecule detection to study complex biological systems. We use an interdisciplinary approach that interweaves concepts from physics, chemistry and biology.
-Conformational dynamics of biomolecules
In contrast with the more conventional fluorescence techniques, where billions of molecules are sampled simultaneously, single molecule techniques allow the observation of subpopulations and rare events that would otherwise be hidden in the measured average. More importantly, the observation of an individual molecule allows for the study of dynamic aspects of conformational changes without the need to synchronize the entire sample. A related technique, Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, is based on the analysis of the fluctuations in the fluorescent signal of a small number of molecules. Correlation analysis of the fluorescence fluctuations yields kinetic information about the dynamic processes that cause the changes in the fluorescent signal.
We use these concepts to investigate the dynamics, structure and kinetics of nucleoprotein assemblies. Specific projects in this line of research include the study of the dynamic aspects of DNA-protein interactions in nucleosomes. We are interested in characterizing the spontaneous DNA unwrapping and re-wrapping kinetics, and in the study of the effect of ATP-dependent remodeling enzymes.
- Photophysical properties of fluorescent dyes commonly used in single molecule spectroscopy.
We are also interested in studying the photochemical and photophysical properties of fluorescent dyes that are commonly used for single-molecule applications. Photophysical processes are a source of artifacts that have not been thoroughly explored in many cases. Photochemical reactions, such as isomerizations, produce results that can be interpreted as conformational changes of the macromolecule to which the fluorophore is attached. A careful characterization of the photophysical properties of these fluorophores is critical for correct interpretation of experimental results.
Summer 2022 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
BDE 792 | Research |
Spring 2022 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
CHM 118 | Gen Chemistry for Majors II |
BDE 792 | Research |
BDE 795 | Continuing Registration |
BDE 799 | Dissertation |
Fall 2021 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
CHM 117 | General Chemistry for Majors I |
BIO 499 | Individualized Instruction |
CHM 501 | Current Topics in Chemistry |
Summer 2021 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
BDE 792 | Research |
Spring 2021 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
CHM 118 | Gen Chemistry for Majors II |
BDE 792 | Research |
BDE 799 | Dissertation |
Fall 2020 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
CHM 494 | Special Topics |
BIO 499 | Individualized Instruction |
CHM 598 | Special Topics |
Summer 2020 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
BDE 792 | Research |
Spring 2020 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
BCH 341 | Physical Chem with Bio Focus |
BDE 792 | Research |
BDE 799 | Dissertation |
Fall 2019 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
BIO 499 | Individualized Instruction |
Spring 2019 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
BCH 341 | Physical Chem with Bio Focus |
BDE 792 | Research |
BDE 799 | Dissertation |
Fall 2018 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
CHM 117 | General Chemistry for Majors I |
BIO 499 | Individualized Instruction |
Fall 2017 | |
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Course Number | Course Title |
BCH 341 | Physical Chem with Bio Focus |
BIO 499 | Individualized Instruction |