Donald Becker
Charles Bessey Professor of Biochemistry, Biochemistry Department Chair, Redox Biology Center Director Biochemistry University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Contact
- Address
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BEAD N258
Lincoln NE 68588-0664 - Phone
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402-472-9652 On-campus 2-9652
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dbecker3@unl.edu
Research interests
Proline is an important amino acid for protein synthesis, particularly incorporation into fibrous architectural proteins such as collagen, and also for cellular redox balance and protection against oxidative stress. In humans, aberrant proline metabolism due to genetic loss of its biosynthetic or degradative enzymes leads to neurological disorders, skin hyperplasticity, and osteopenia. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated from proline oxidation have been shown to induce cell signaling processes that impact cell survival and cell death. Proline-dependent ROS signaling induces apoptosis and suppresses tumor growth, whereas under different metabolic conditions, proline has been shown to increase cell growth and tumor survival. Understanding the complex regulation of proline metabolism in cancer and the mechanisms by which proline metabolism influences intracellular redox homeostasis and ROS signaling is a major effort of Dr. Becker's laboratory. Students in Dr. Becker's laboratory are working on projects related to the detailed biochemical characterization and comparison of proline metabolic enzymes from multiple organisms, as well as the determination of mechanisms and signal transduction pathways underlying the protective functions of proline.
Education
B.A. Bethel College - Chemistry (1989)
Ph.D. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities - Biological Chemistry (1994)
Post-Doctoral University of Minnesota, Twin Cities - Biological Chemistry (1994-1995)
Post-Doctoral University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Enzyme Mechanisms (1995-1998)
Research focus: Role of proline in redox homeostasis and apoptosis.