Member SpotlightsPioneering New Technologies for DNA Analysis in Forensics Phillip B. Danielson, Ph.D. A Member Since January 1998  Dr. Phillip B. Danielson is a professor of molecular biology at the University of Denver in Colorado whose diverse research interests encompass molecular ecology, molecular neuroendocrinology and forensic genetics. Ever since he can remember, Dr. Danielson has been fascinated by how things work. While at Metropolitan State College in Denver, he experienced what he calls a period of “aesthetic arrest” during which he became captivated by the wonderful complexities of molecular biology. From that point onward his career path as a scientist lay clearly before him.This fascination with science led Dr. Danielson to pursue his Ph.D. in molecular toxicology at the University of Denver in cytochrome P450 research. Prior to taking up his current faculty position, Dr. Danielson also received research training at the University of Tokyo’s Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and the University of Colorado at Boulder’s Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. Dr. Danielson’s research in molecular ecology focuses on the evolution and molecular biology of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of heme-thiolate proteins in Drosophilids. These enzymes have been implicated in toxic host-plant utilization patterns. Dr. Danielson also studies human cytochrome P450s thought to influence the outcome of chemotherapy in childhood leukemia. Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases are important both because they are found in all organisms and are involved in the metabolism of many foreign compounds. His lab’s work in molecular neuroendocrinology focuses on the evolution and molecular biology of the opioid/orphanin family of neuroinhibitory peptides in nonmammalian vertebrates. This neuroendocrine network is responsible for modulating a broad range of physiological functions from reproductive activity to chronic stress response. Fluctuations in the levels of any of the stress hormones can have serious consequences with respect to the survival of an organism (e.g., Hyposecretion of cortisol results in Addison’s Disease while cortisol hypersecretion results in the broad tissue and organ degeneration associated with Cushing’s Syndrome.) By better understanding the aspects of human genetics that can be utilized as a basis for the identification of individuals and the source of criminal evidentiary material, Dr. Danielson is pioneering new technologies for DNA analysis in forensics. The two main objectives of his laboratory’s project are to: 1) increase the sensitivity of forensic DNA analysis, particularly that involving DNA mixtures and 2) increase cost-effectiveness and speed of mitochondrial DNA analysis using non-sequencing-based technologies. To date, his laboratory has increased the sensitivity of mitochondrial DNA amplification from hair shafts by up to 100 fold over standard FBI protocols while using one-tenth the quantity of enzyme. His team has also improved the direct detection of the amplified product such that less than 1 ng can be readily detected using a simple UV-based detection system. This increased sensitivity may assist investigators in utilizing currently unusable samples from the field. The second objective of reducing the cost and time required for mitochondrial DNA analysis is being addressed through the use of denaturing HPLC (DHPLC) to genotype the two hypervariable regions found within an individual’s mitochondrial D-loop. To date Dr. Danielson’s laboratory has developed DHPLC methods to rapidly screen large numbers of samples and even separate DNA mixtures. This approach will reduce the cost and time required for conclusive DNA results often encountered in mass disaster situations. Dr. Danielson is also investigating the application of other cutting edge technologies in forensic genetics such as DNA microarrays and Mass Spectroscopy. Because science is so central to his life, Dr. Danielson brings his passion for learning into the classroom. In addition to his teaching responsibilities primarily in the areas of virology, infectious human disease, immunology, human molecular biology and forensic science at the university, Dr. Danielson is also involved in public outreach efforts. He believes that as a scientist he has a “fundamental responsibility” to help educate lay people about science. He has developed and taught workshops designed to familiarize high school instructors with molecular biology principles that can be readily adapted to their curriculum. He has conducted “hands-on” student laboratory programs that are designed to complement the curriculum of the secondary-school students, expose students to resources that are unique to the university environment, and assist underserved minority and rural populations. On top of his research and teaching commitments, Dr. Danielson works in collaboration with forensic scientists from the Denver Police Department Crime Laboratory Bureau. Together with the officials from the Denver Police Department, the Colorado District Attorneys Council and State Crime Laboratories, he has developed training programs for law enforcement professionals on the use of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. Furthermore, at the invitation of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center for the Rocky Mountain Region, he has developed a series of informational seminars for first responders on the real and perceived threats associated with potential acts of chemical and biological terrorism. Dr. Danielson’s multiple research interests and his work with law enforcement agencies have given him the opportunity to travel all over the world. Besides his love of travel, he is also an avid skier. ### << Previous Next >> [ View All Member Spotlights ] |
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