Richard Baker, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Associate Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Molecular Genetics and Microbiology

Molecular Mechanisms of Chromosome Segregation

The centromere is the region on the chromosome at which spindle microtubules attach during mitosis and meiosis. Proper function of the centromere and its associated organelle, the kinetochore, is absolutely essential for the transmission of the cell's genetic material. Research in my laboratory is aimed at understanding the molecular details of centromere structure and function. As a model eukaryote, we study the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We have identified proteins which specifically bind to yeast centromeric DNA and are currently analyzing their possible roles as components of the kinetochore. Using "reverse genetics", we hope to isolate the genes encoding these proteins and begin a genetic analysis of the centromere/kinetochore complex. While our experiments are strongly biochemically oriented, we rely heavily on the use of recombinant DNA techniques as well as classical yeast genetics.

Representative Publications

Baker, R. E. (2009). "CENP-A targeting moves a step back." Mol Cell 33(4): 411-3.

Stoler, S., K. Rogers, et al. (2007). "Scm3, an essential Saccharomyces cerevisiae centromere protein required for G2/M progression and Cse4 localization." Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 104(25): 10571-6.

Baker, R. E. and K. Rogers (2006). "Phylogenetic analysis of fungal centromere H3 proteins." Genetics 174(3): 1481-92.Baker, R. E. and K. Rogers (2005).

Baker, R. E. and K. Rogers (2005). "Genetic and genomic analysis of the AT-rich centromere DNA element II of Saccharomyces cerevisiae." Genetics 171(4): 1463-75.

Rotations:

Academic Background

Ph. D. (1980) Pennsylvania State University

Office: S5-137
Phone: 508-856-6046
E-mail: Richard.Baker@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Genetic Systems, Structural Biology, Biochemistry

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