Ronald K. Gary

Ronald K. Gary is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. His research focuses on DNA damage response signaling, cell cycle regulation, and molecular mechanisms of cellular senescence, with a particular emphasis on the tumor suppressor p53 and its interactions with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). He teaches advanced courses in biochemistry, including DNA Repair & Mutagenesis.

• Ph.D., Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Cornell University, 1995
• B.S., Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, 1983

Ronald Gary's research explores how human cells respond to DNA damage through intricate signaling pathways. His work has uncovered critical interactions between PCNA and proteins involved in DNA repair (e.g., FEN1, XPG) and cell cycle control (e.g., p21, WRN helicase). He investigates beryllium's role in inducing senescence-like states and how kinase inhibitors like lithium modulate signaling pathways. His lab employs techniques spanning biochemical assays, molecular genetics, and structural bioinformatics to study these processes.

Key trends in Gary's publications include: (1) DNA repair mechanisms involving PCNA and endonucleases; (2) Beryllium's impact on p53-regulated pathways; (3) Enzyme kinetics and calorimetry applications; and (4) Metal ion interactions with biological molecules. His work bridges fundamental biochemical principles with translational cancer research.

Over decades, Gary has mentored multiple lab groups, including researchers like Priyatham Gorjala, Derek Jensen, and Swapna Mudireddy. His work has been supported by grants such as the Nevada INBRE Structural Bioinformatics Core, enabling advanced modeling of protein-DNA interactions.