Frank Wilkinson, PhD
Associate Dean, Jefferson College of Life Science
Professor
Contact Information
4201 Henry Avenue
East Fall Campus
Philadelphia, PA 19144
215-951-2936
215-951-6812 fax
Associate Dean, Jefferson College of Life Science
Professor
Research & Clinical Interests
More recently, I have become interested in exploring the biochemistry of plant compounds and their interactions with other organisms. Compounds from ginger (Zingiber officinale) are being tested for anti-cancer activity. USDA-funded work is investigating the ability of cold-brewed coffee to support the growth of harmful microorganisms such as Clostridium.
Historically, my focus was on the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that contribute to animal development. Investigations centered on the structure and function of the DNA-binding protein YY1 and a co-factor, YAF-2. Interactions between these proteins leads to transcriptional silencing through the Polycomb protein complexes. Silencing of target genes through Polycomb complexes is thought to govern gene expression that determines cellular developmental fate. Dysregulation of Polycomb silencing late in life is thought to contribute to cancer.
Education
PhD, Biochemistry - Temple University School of Medicine
BA, Biology - LaSalle University
Publications
- Variables Affecting the Extraction of Antioxidants in Cold and Hot Brew Coffee: A Review
- The effects of contact time, brewing method, and bean roast on the chemistry of cold brew coffee
- Plant factors inhibitory to bacterial biofilm formation
- Ginger as an antiviral agent
- Ready, Drink! Chemical Characterization of Ready-to-Drink Cold Brew Coffee Products
- Plant factors inhibitory to bacterial biofilm formation
- YY1 DNA binding and interaction with YAF2 is essential for Polycomb recruitment
- From test tube to clinical trial; promising herbs with NF-ĸB and COX-2 activity
- Curcumin: Powerful Immunomodulator from Turmeric
- YY1 PcG function as a potential cancer therapeutic target
- PcG recruitment by the YY1 REPO domain can be mediated by Yaf2
- Polycomb recruitment to DNA in vivo by the YY1 REPO domain
- Regulation of murine cytochrome c oxidase Vb gene expression during myogenesis: YY-1 and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein D-like protein (JKTBP1) reciprocally regulate transcription activity by physical interaction with the BERF-1/ZBP-89 factor
- Transcription factor YY1 functions as a PcG protein in vivo
- Residues 88-109 of factor IXa are important for assembly of the factor X activating complex
- The factor IXa second epidermal growth factor (EGF2) domain mediates platelet binding and assembly of the factor X activating complex