Kenneth Johnson

Johnson, Kenneth
Professor in Chemistry & Biochemistry
Roger J. Williams Centennial Professor In Biochemistry

E-mail: kajohnson@mail.utexas.edu

Website: http://research.cm.utexas.edu/kjohnson/

Main Office: MBB 3.122BA
Phone: 471-0434

Mailing Address:
The University of Texas at Austin - ICMB
1 University Station A4800
2500 Speedway
Austin, TX 78712-1095
Research Summary:
   Three polymerases and a molecular motor: In projects related to AIDS, we examine HIV reverse transcriptase mechanism, its resistance to nucleoside analogs, and characterization of novel nonnucleoside inhibitors. In addition, we are studying the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase and have shown that toxic side effects of nucleoside analogs used to treat AIDS are a function of inhibition of mitochondrial DNA replication. We have also begun a new initiative to examine the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of hepatitis C as a target for new drug development to combat the Hepatitis C virus. We also work on the mechanism of force production by the microtubule-dependent motor protein, kinesin, by relating the structure of this dimeric protein to cooperative interactions necessary for coupled hand-over-hand motion. In each of these projects we combine novel fast kinetic techniques and single molecule studies with structural analysis to answer mechanistic questions.
 
Publications:
Real-time measurement of pyrophosphate release kinetics (2008) Anal Biochem 372, 125-127.
Exonuclease removal of dideoxycytidine (zalcitabine) by the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase (2008) Antimicrob Agents Chemother 52, 253-258.
Fidelity and processivity of reverse transcription by the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase (2007) J Biol Chem 282, 31982-31989.
A novel mechanism of selectivity against AZT by the human mitochondrial DNA polymerase (2007) Nucleic Acids Res 35, 6973-6983.

 
Search PubMed for more publications by Prof. Name
(a new browser window will open)
"Caution, this search may require more information to be accurate or specific. Check authors and institution carefully."

Max Docs:  Pub. Date limit: