Biography

Dr. Lyons received his PhD in Biochemistry from Dalhousie University in Canada. He subsequently did postdoctoral work at both Dalhousie University and Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. His research has been in yeast genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry, although most has revolved around the role of metallocarboxypeptidases in human health and disease. He has received funding from NSERC (Canada), NIH, and the Grass Foundation. Prior to coming to Andrews, Dr. Lyons taught for one year in the biology department at Manhattan College.

Current Research or Professional Activities

Genomes of many organisms have been sequenced. However, we still know little about the proteins that are made from these genomes. What do these proteins do? What do they look like? How are they regulated?

My research focuses on the regulation of protein and peptide activity by proteolysis. Specifically, we look at the function of one family of proteolytic enzymes, the metallocarboxypeptidases, and analyze what they do in cell culture systems as well as within a whole organism. Our model organism of choice is the zebrafish, an organism that can be easily manipulated and observed as it develops. The combination of biochemical studies with cell biology and zebrafish development enables us to see the full picture of how these enzymes work.

Publications