Professor of Biology
Applied Cell Biology and Genetics
(703) 993-8311, phone
jwillett@gmu.edu
Dr. Willett is developing a rapid assay for metabolic system effectors using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Recording responses of biochemical pathways to physiologic state modifiers provides a means of studying the underlying mechanisms responsible for these changes. This is especially valuable in elucidating the mechanisms of action of neurotoxicants, and dietary supplements purported to have life extending properties. Willett's interest in this approach arose as a result of his studies of alterations in signaling arrays in nematodes as a function of age. These studies continue as well.
Lyons, S.M., Champ, M.A., Panem, S. and J.D. Willett. 1985. "Alternative Methods for Toxicity Testing," Regulatory Policy Issues. April.
Gay, W.I., and J.D. Willett. 1984. "The Spectrum of Biological Systems and the Selection of Models," National Symposium on Imperatives in Animal Use, Scientific Need and Animal Welfare. April, 11-12.
Findeis, P.M., C.J. Barinaga, J.D. Willett and S.O. Farwell. 1983. "Age-Synchronous Culture of Caenorhabditis Elegans: Technique and Applications," Exptimental Gerontology. 1B: 263-275.
Willett, J.D., E.P. Brody, and M.M. Knight. 1982. "The Analysis of Fatty Alcohols and Fatty Acids As p-(Methylthio)-benzoate Esters," Journal of American Oil Chemists Society. 59:273-277.
Willett, J.D. and M.M. Knight. 1982. "Determination of Chromium
in Orchard Leaves by Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography,"
Journal of Chromatography. 237:99-105.
Professor Willett teaches the University's doctoral level course in Biochemistry, Chem 663-664. This one year course, originating in the Department of Chemistry, serves students from the College of Arts and Sciences as well as students from IB3 and the Institute of Computational Sciences and Informatics. Efforts are underway to develop this course as a web based offering and to link appropriate portions to GMU 's courses that introduce biochemistry as a critical portion of the subject matter presented.
Revised August 19, 1998
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