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Lab Members:
Adam Buchaklian, Post Doctoral Fellow
Derek Francis, Graduate Student
Kathryn Westfahl, Graduate Student
Jacqueline Merten, Research Technologist
Nicholas Impellitteri, Research Technologist
Research Interests:
My research interests currently center on protein structure and dynamics. I use the site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy technique to study the functional dynamics of bacterial membrane and retinal proteins.
Training:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, B.S. in Chemistry (1994)
Medical College of Wisconsin , Ph.D. in Biophysics (1999)
UCLA School of Medicine, Jules Stein Eye Institute, Postdoctoral Fellow in Ophthalmic Biophysical Chemistry (1999-2001)
Grants:
Site-Directed Spin Labeling of ArnT is a five-year, $1.1 million award from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study the structure-function relationship of a previously uncharacterized bacterial membrane protein, ArnT, which is responsible for bacterial resistance to the antibiotic polymyxin.
Spin Labeling of MsbA is a four-year, $900,000 award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to study the functional dynamics of the bacterial ABC (ATP-binding-cassette) lipid transporter, MsbA, which transports lipids across the inner membrane of bacteria.
As part of these grants, the investigators will study the structure and functional dynamics of the two proteins as they bind their respective substrates. A more thorough understanding of the dynamics in the ArnT protein will help researchers develop strategies to overcome bacterial resistance to polymyxin and other antibiotics. A more thorough understanding of the dynamics in the MsbA protein will help researchers understand the molecular basis for multi-drug resistance and diseases caused by malfunctioning proteins such as MsbA, and lead to novel therapeutic agents and gene therapies.
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