Charles M. Grisham

Charles M. Grisham is Professor of Chemistry and Associate Chair in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Virginia, where he has built an internationally recognized research program in biophysical chemistry.

Education

• B.S., Illinois Institute of Technology, 1969
• Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1973 (Biophysical Chemistry; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Complex Biological Structures)

Research Focus

Grisham’s laboratory exploits high-resolution NMR and ESR spectroscopies to dissect the structure and mechanism of membrane-embedded enzymes. Ongoing projects center on two P-type ATPases—the kidney Na,K-ATPase and the muscle Ca-ATPase—that harness ATP hydrolysis to drive ion transport against steep electrochemical gradients. Complementary studies investigate signaling enzymes such as protein kinase C and phospholipase C, which transduce hormonal stimuli at the membrane-cytosol interface.

A second major thrust probes the adenylyl cyclase toxin from Bordetella pertussis. Using paramagnetic relaxation enhancements and transferred NOE methodologies, the group is mapping how the toxin’s β-sheet helical domains facilitate translocation of its catalytic moiety across the plasma membrane.

In the therapeutic arena, Grisham is developing trivalent metal-bisphosphonate complexes designed to inhibit farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, thereby suppressing osteoclastic bone resorption and offering new options for osteoporosis treatment.

Representative Publications

Across his four highlighted articles (1994–2001), Grisham has consistently merged advanced magnetic resonance techniques with biochemical questions, illuminating metal-ion binding sites in bacterial toxins, lipid modulation of kinase substrates, chiral recognition mechanisms, and real-time cellular energetics.

Textbook Authorship & Impact

Together with Reginald H. Garrett, Grisham co-authors the widely adopted textbook Biochemistry, currently in its sixth edition. The book ranks among the top-ten most frequently used biology texts worldwide according to the Open Syllabus Project, attesting to its enduring influence on biochemical education.

Laboratory & Mentorship

While specific advisees are not enumerated in the provided text, Professor Grisham’s long-standing role as Associate Chair suggests significant administrative and mentoring responsibilities within the department.