The current focus of our research is to understand the structural and mechanistic details of autophagy effectors and regulators, and of diseases caused by defects in autophagy. Over the last decade, many of the mammalian proteins that implement Autophagy have been identified, yet little is known about the mechanism by which these proteins function. In addition to studying molecular mechanisms of the proteins that execute this pathway, we are also investigating the molecular basis of diseases resulting from the dysfunction of autophagy.
A central method used in our research is X-ray crystallography, which allows us to determine the atomic-resolution, three-dimensional structure of proteins and protein complexes. This technique is key to a detailed understanding of protein mechanisms. In addition, depending on the project, we use a comprehensive range of complementary techniques, including other structure biology techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance; biophysical techniques like isothermal titration calorimetry and circular dichroism spectroscopy; biochemical techniques like different kinds of chromatography and electrophoresis; molecular biology techniques such as cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, PCR; as well as basic cellular assays. To allow us to accomplish this research, we have established several unique facilities at NDSU: a wet-lab for large-scale protein over-expression and purification, a macromolecular crystallization laboratory, and assisted in the purchase of an X-ray diffractometer to collect diffraction data from protein crystals. Besides these facilities, we collaborate extensively with other faculty both at NDSU and at other institutions.
This broad range of techniques allows us to obtain a comprehensive and dynamic understanding of macromolecules and the mechanism by which they accomplish their biological functions.
Ongoing research projects, and our publications relevant to each project, are described below. This research is primarily funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, as indicated by the grants listed below.
Ongoing Projects
Grants, Contracts and Awards
Publications
