Research in our lab has a wide scope and includes:
- Structural biology: We determine atomic structures, dynamics, and functions of biomolecules with biological relevance and therapeutic potential. We especially adore biomolecular NMR spectroscopy - the Swiss Army knife of biophysics!
- De novo protein design: We design proteins with new backbone structures and amino acid sequences that don't exist in nature. This allows us to uncover fundamental insights into the folding and interactions of biomolecules and biomolecular assemblies. Protein design also provides avenues to generate novel therapeutics and new chemical reactions. We design lipid binding proteins, antagonists of protein-protein interactions, and more!
- Structural immunology: We study adaptive and innate immune responses. We're especially passionate about lipid antigen presentation by a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-related immune receptor called CD1. We also study the structure and function of other immune receptors (T cell receptors, CD7, CD8, CD300) and signaling molecules (K12). We work to harness their intrinsic features for immunotherapy in pathogen infection, cancer, and autoimmune disease. We also study proteins with MHC-like folds, such as zinc alpha-2-glycoprotein.
- Lipid-protein interactions: We develop and apply integrated computational and experimental tools to systematically study the lipid-protein interactome. Our work aims to (1) define nature's rules for how different classes of lipids bind to different protein folds, (2) engineer lipid-protein interactions, and (3) elucidate how lipids regulate protein structure, dynamics, and function. We also study the structure and function of lipid transfer proteins (saposins, GM2AP, and others) and lysosomal hydrolases (ACdase and others) to elucidate their role in lipid trafficking/homeostasis, lipid antigen presentation, and rare lipid storage disorders.
- Natural product biosynthesis: We characterize precursor peptides and modifying enzymes involved in natural product biosynthesis. We mostly work on ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs).
- Chemical education: We aim to make biochemistry, biophysics, and structural biology more accessible by designing interactive tools, coursework, and games to teach complex concepts. We also develop learning platforms for biomolecular NMR spectroscopy.
We are not focused on any particular approach or technique, although we are particularly fond of solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We strive to solve outstanding biological questions with relevance to basic biology, immunology, medicine, and pathology. Trainees joining our lab will gain hands on experience in biochemical/biophysical characterization of protein-protein and lipid-protein interactions (surface plasmon resonance, isothermal titration calorimetry, microscale thermophoresis, nano differential scanning fluorimetry, circular dichroism spectroscopy), structural biology (solution NMR, X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, small angle x-ray scattering), computational biology (structure prediction, molecular dynamics simulations, molecular docking), protein design/engineering, chemical biology, and immunological assays.
We are extremely grateful to the following funding institutions and agencies:
National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER
President's Undergraduate Research Award (PURA)
Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN)
Shurl and Kay Curci Foundation
Georgia Tech's School of Chemistry and Biochemistry - Start up funds
