PhD Program: Biochemistry & Biophysics
| Name | PhD Program | Research Interest | Publications |
|---|---|---|
| Campbell, Sharon WEBSITE PUBLICATIONS |
PHD PROGRAM RESEARCH INTEREST |
Current research projects in the Campbell laboratory include structural, biophysical and biochemical studies of wild type and variant Ras and Rho family GTPase proteins, as well as the identification, characterization and structural elucidation of factors that act on these GTPases. Ras and Rho proteins are members of a large superfamily of related guanine nucleotide binding proteins. They are key regulators of signal transduction pathways that control cell growth. Rho GTPases regulate signaling pathways that also modulate cell morphology and actin cytoskeletal organization. Mutated Ras proteins are found in 30% of human cancers and promote uncontrolled cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. Another focus of the lab is in biochemical and biophysical characterization of the cell adhesion proteins, focal adhesion kinase, vinculin, paxillin and palladin. These proteins are involved in actin cytoskeletal rearrangements and cell motility, amongst other functions. Most of our studies are conducted in collaboration with laboratories that focus on molecular and cellular biological aspects of these problems. This allows us to direct cell-based signaling, motility and transformation analyses. Member of the Molecular & Cellular Biophysics Training Program. |
| Bloom, Kerry WEBSITE PUBLICATIONS |
PHD PROGRAM RESEARCH INTEREST |
Our objective is to understand the dynamic and structural properties of chromosomes during mitosis. We use live cell imaging techniques to address how kinetochores are assembled, capture microtubules and promote faithful segregation of chromosomes. |
| Bergmeier, Wolfgang WEBSITE PUBLICATIONS |
PHD PROGRAM RESEARCH INTEREST |
Our research focuses on the adhesion mechanisms of platelets and neutrophils to sites of vascular injury/ activation. For successful adhesion, both cell types rely on activation-dependent receptors (integrins) expressed on the cell surface. We are particularly interested in the role of calcium (Ca2+) as a signaling molecule that regulates the inside-out activation of integrin receptors. Our studies combine molecular and biochemical approaches with microfluidics and state-of-the-art in vivo imaging (intravital microscopy) techniques. |
| Kuhlman, Brian WEBSITE PUBLICATIONS |
PHD PROGRAM RESEARCH INTEREST |
We focus on a variety of design goals including the creation of novel protein-protein interactions, protein structures, vaccine antigens and light activatable protein switches. Central to all of our projects is the Rosetta program for protein modeling. In collaboration with developers from a variety of universities, we are continually adding new features to Rosetta as well as testing it on new problems. |
| Lee, Andrew WEBSITE PUBLICATIONS |
PHD PROGRAM RESEARCH INTEREST |
We study protein structure and dynamics as they relate to protein function and energetics. We are currently using NMR spectroscopy (e.g. spin relaxation), computation, and a variety of other biophysical techniques to gain a deeper understanding of proteins at atomic level resolution. Of specific interest is the general phenomenon of long-range communication within protein structures, such as observed in allostery and conformational change. A. Lee is a member of the Molecular & Cellular Biophysics Training Program. |
| Maness, Patricia F. WEBSITE PUBLICATIONS |
PHD PROGRAM RESEARCH INTEREST |
My research focuses on molecular mechanisms of mammalian nervous system development. We investigate mechanisms by which developing neurons migrate to the neocortex and form connections. |
| Marzluff, William WEBSITE PUBLICATIONS |
PHD PROGRAM RESEARCH INTEREST |
We are interested in the mechanisms by which histone protein synthesis is coupled to DNA replication, both in mammalian cell cycle and during early embryogenesis in Drosophila, Xenopus and sea urchins. |
| Neher, Saskia WEBSITE PUBLICATIONS |
PHD PROGRAM RESEARCH INTEREST |
Our lab seeks to better understand the maturation and regulation of a group of human lipases. We aim to uncover how these lipases properly fold and exit the ER, and how their activity is subsequently regulated. We study the membrane-bound and secreted proteins that play a role in lipase regulation. Our research can potentially impact human health as biochemical deficiencies in lipase activity can cause hypertriglyceridemia and associated disorders, such as diabetes and atherosclerosis. We are an interdisciplinary lab and aim to address these questions using a variety of techniques, including membrane protein biochemistry, enzymology, and structural and molecular biology. |
| Pielak, Gary J. WEBSITE PUBLICATIONS |
PHD PROGRAM RESEARCH INTEREST |
My graduate students and I use the formalism of equilibrium thermodynamics and the tools of molecular biology and biophysics to understand how nature designs proteins. |
| Ramsden, Dale WEBSITE PUBLICATIONS |
PHD PROGRAM RESEARCH INTEREST |
The end joining pathway is a major means for repairing chromosome breaks in vertebrates. My lab is using cellular and cell-free models to learn how end joining works, and what happens when it doesn’t. |