Michael G. PoirierView profile
Professor
Michael G. Poirier is a Professor in the Department of Physics at The Ohio State University, with courtesy appointments in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. He is a member of both the OSU Biochemistry Graduate Program and the OSU Biophysics Graduate Program, reflecting his interdisciplinary research approach. His laboratory is located in the Physics Research Building (PRB 2135) where he conducts cutting-edge research at the intersection of physics, biology, and nanotechnology. Dr. Poirier earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Illinois, Chicago in 2002, following an M.S. from the same institution in 1997 and a B.S. in Physics from Truman State University in 1995. His research focuses on understanding the biophysical principles governing chromatin structure and dynamics, with particular emphasis on nucleosome organization, DNA accessibility, and transcription factor binding mechanisms. His laboratory employs a diverse toolkit including single-molecule fluorescence, DNA origami force spectroscopy, and solid-state NMR techniques to investigate these fundamental biological processes. Analysis of Dr. Poirier's most recent publications reveals a strong trend toward interdisciplinary research that combines biophysics with nanotechnology and molecular engineering. His work spans from fundamental investigations of nucleosome dynamics to the development of novel DNA-based nanotechnologies. A significant portion of his research explores how chromatin structure regulates DNA accessibility for transcription factors and other regulatory proteins, with implications for understanding gene regulation mechanisms. More recently, his laboratory has expanded into DNA nanotechnology applications, developing innovative tools like DNA force sensors and nanoparticle caging systems. Dr. Poirier maintains an active research program with consistent high-impact publications in leading journals including Nature Communications, Science Advances, Nucleic Acids Research, and ACS Nano. His research is characterized by strong collaborative networks across physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and engineering disciplines at Ohio State and beyond. The Poirier Laboratory operates several specialized facilities including the PRB 2135 lab space, with additional resources in PRB 2147, PRB 2151, and specialized equipment areas known as 'The Marek Scope,' 'The Crypt,' and 'The Triclops.' These facilities support a range of biophysical techniques for studying chromatin structure and DNA-protein interactions at the molecular level.
