Wayne P. Wahls

Wayne P. Wahls, Ph.D., serves as Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine. His research program investigates fundamental mechanisms of chromosome dynamics during meiosis and cellular stress responses using fission yeast as a primary model system.

Education:

• Ph.D. from University of Illinois, Chicago

Dr. Wahls' laboratory focuses on two interconnected research areas: (1) meiotic chromosome dynamics, examining how recombination hotspots and chromatin remodeling regulate genome-wide recombination, the assembly of meiotic recombination enzyme complexes, and the relationship between recombination and chromosome segregation; and (2) stress response pathways, studying ATF/CREB/AP-1 family proteins that monitor cellular conditions and regulate chromatin structure, transcription, and RNA decay through pathway cross-talk. His team employs genetic, molecular, biochemical, cytological, and proteomic methodologies to address these questions.

Analysis of his 2022-2025 publications reveals consistent emphasis on meiotic recombination mechanisms, CRISPR/Cas9 applications in fission yeast, and molecular stress adaptation. The research spans genetics, molecular biology, and biochemistry with recurring themes in DNA repair, chromosome structure, and gene regulation, demonstrating technical innovation in genome editing and molecular characterization.

Dr. Wahls leads a research team comprising Mari Davidson, Seth Dixon, Emory Malone, and Reine Protacio. His laboratory occupies spaces B428, B430, and B432 in the UAMS Biomedical Research Center, maintaining active research operations as evidenced by recent publications and operational contact information. While specific grant details are not provided, the sustained publication record indicates ongoing research funding and academic productivity.