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William R. Folk

Professor of Biochemistry
Senior Associate Dean for Research, School of Medicine

Email:	folkw@missouri.edu
Phone:	(573) 884-2921
Lab:	(573) 882-9093
Fax:	(573) 884-4597
Office:	202D Schlundt Annex
Mailing Address:	Biochemistry 117 Schweitzer Hall University of Missouri-Columbia Columbia, MO 65211
Research Areas:	Gene expression and DNA replication of DNA tumor viruses; plant biotechnology and medical use.

Educational Background

BA		Rice University	Houston, Texas	Biochemistry
PhD		Stanford University	Stanford, Calif.	Biochemistry

Notable Honors and Service

Senior Associate Dean for Research, School of Medicine
Co-Director, The International Center for Indigenous Phytotherapy Studies
American Cancer Society Faculty Research Award, 1977-81
International Union Against Cancer, Eleanor Roosevelt Fellowship, 1981-82
National Cancer Institute-ISERM Fellowship, 1987
International Union Against Cancer, Yamagiwa-Yoshida Memorial Fellowship, 2001

Research Description

Folk's research interests incorporate animal cell and plant systems. A major objective is to understand how gene expression and DNA replication are linked in animal cells, and how medicinal plant natural products target these transcription factors and pathways (watch an interview with Dr. Folk at SyndicateMizzou). A second major objective is to modify plant gene expression and translation to qualitatively alter proteins used for food and feed and industry, so as to improve health.

Selected Publications

Xie A. and Folk, W.R., 2002. Inhibition of Polyomavirus ori-dependent DNA replication by mSin3B. J. Virology 76: 11809-11818.

Xie A., Bermudez V.P., and Folk, W.R., 2002. Stimulation of DNA replication from the Polyomavirus Origin by PCAF and GCN5 Acetyltransferases: Acetylation of large T-Antigen. Mol. Cell. Bioogy. 22: 7907-7918.

Wu, Zing Rong, Chen, Zhi Hong, and Folk, W.R., 2003. Enrichment of Cereal Protein Lysine Content by Altered tRNA (lys) coding during protein synthesis. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 1: 187-194.

Qin W., Zhu W., Wagner-Mann C., Folk W.R., and Sauter E.R., 2003. Association of uPA, PAI-1, and uPAR in nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) with breast cancer. The Cancer Journal. 9: 293-310

Folk, W.R., 2003. How to Improve Plant Protein Quality: Err on the Side of Goodness. ISB News Report, August 2003 (http://www.isb.vt.edu).

Shin, Young C. and Folk W.R. 2003. Formation of polyomavirus-like particles with different VP1 molecules that bind the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor. J. of Virology 77: 11491-11498.

Benasciutti E, Pages G, Kenzior O, Folk WR, Blasi F, Crippa MP. MAPK and JNK transduction pathways can phosphorylate Sp1 to activate the uPA minimal promoter element and endogenous gene transcription. Blood 2004; 104(1):256-62. Epub 2004 Mar 18.

Employment Opportunities

Post-Doctoral Opportunities

Electronic submission is encouraged, e-mail to biochemsearch@missouri.edu

Applicants should send CV and names of two references to:
Dr. William Folk
Postdoctoral Application
Biochemistry
117 Schweitzer Hall
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, MO 65211

Gene expression and DNA replication of DNA tumor viruses; plant biotechnology and medical use.