Visiting Professor Michael Gray to place cell evolution under microscope during York University lecture Research on mitochondria provides insights into early stages of eukaryotic cell evolution

TORONTO, March 22, 1999 -- York University's Department of Biology in the Faculty of Pure and Applied Science has been awarded a prestigious Burroughs Wellcome Visiting Professorship, one of five awarded Canada-wide. Visiting Professor Michael W. Gray (Dalhousie University) will deliver the keynote lecture entitled New Twists on Old Paradigms of Mitochondrial Evolution at York University, Wednesday, March 24, 1999, 4 p.m.

Gray's lecture will examine the origins and evolution of mitochondria, the main power source of eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells are those found in humans, reptiles, fish, birds and in many microorganisms including brewers yeast. Mitochondria are recognized as playing a central role in the regulation of programmed cell death or apoptosis, and as such have been linked to degenerative diseases, aging, and certain cancers in people.

Gray, who was nominated by York University's Department of Biology, is a distinguished Canadian scientist at Dalhousie University's Department of Biochemistry. Gray has made important contributions to biochemistry/molecular biology, including research in eukaryotic microorganisms, plant science, genomics and evolutionary biology. He is a fellow of the Royal Society and of the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research in the Evolutionary Biology Program.

"Dr. Gray is one of the leading scientists in mitochondria evolution," said biology graduate student Jeffrey Fillingham. "The opportunity to interact with Dr. Gray in an informal laboratory setting will be an invaluable and enlightening experience because it will shed light on how mitochondria and eukaryotic cells have evolved."

"Dr. Gray's research interests and expertise provide a strong fit to the diverse interests in York University's Department of Biology," said York University biology professor Dr. Ronald Pearlman. "The fact that we were awarded this visiting professorship speaks well to our department's strengths ranging from our leading-edge Core Molecular Biology Facility, which includes a DNA sequencing service, to the high quality students we attract every year to our graduate and undergraduate programs, to our award-winning faculty active in life sciences research," he said.

During Gray's five-day visit to York University, he will present an additional two lectures for graduate students and faculty.

The Canadian Federation of Biological Sciences selection committee, on behalf of the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, awarded York University the visiting professorship in July 1998, and includes a one-time grant of $5,000 to fund the visit.

Established by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, an independent private foundation in North Carolina, the visiting professorships in the life sciences are intended to stimulate interest in biology and to recognize eminent scientists, their research and their educational activities throughout Canada and the U.S.

WHO:
Dr. Michael W. Gray (Dalhousie University - Department of Biochemistry)
Burroughs Wellcome Visiting Professor at York University

WHAT:
Lecture: New Twists on Old Paradigms of Mitochondrial Evolution
(lecture examining the evolution of eukaryotic cells)

WHEN:
Wednesday, March 24, 1999, 4 p.m.

WHERE:
Senate Chamber, N940 Ross Building
York University, 4700 Keele Street

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Ron Pearlman
Department of Biology
York University
(416) 736-5241

Ken Turriff
Media Relations Officer
York University
(416) 736-2100, ext. 22086
YU/027/99