Biochemistry and Structural Biology Faculty
Much of the research in this emphasis group focuses on understanding how proteins are synthesized and assembled into functional macromolecules. State of the art biophysical technologies are exploited to define mechanisms for protein folding, and protein trafficking in the endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus.
Reverse genetic approaches are used to elucidate the roles of newly discovered proteins and define functional protein domains. Most researchers have strong collaborative ties with Texas A&M University groups in the Chemistry and Biochemistry/Biophysics Departments.
Sarah Bondos, Ph.D. -- College Station
Assistant ProfessorMolecular & Cellular MedicineResearch Interests: Hox transcription factors as master regulators and biomaterials.Animal development requires individual Hox protiens to sense the cellular context and implement one of many possible gene regulatory cascades. The Bondos lab is discovering hwo Hox transcription facotors respond to conformational changes, tissue-specific alternative splicing, protein interactions, and cell biological and genetic approaches. We have also developed methods to control aggregation of the Drosphila Hox protein Ultrabithorax to generate novel biomaterials. We are characterizing the structure and mechanical properties of these biomaterials, and integrating novel functions via nanoparticles and heterologous protiens.
David Dostal, Ph.D. -- Temple
Associate ProfessorCardiovascular Research InstituteArthur Johnson, Ph.D. -- College Station
Distinguished ProfessorWehner Welch ChairGeoffrey Kapler, Ph.D. -- College Station
ProfessorMolecular & Cellular MedicineSiegfried Musser, Ph.D. -- College Station
Associate ProfessorMolecular & Cellular MedicineResearch Interests: Bacterial Secretion; Nuclear TransportDr. Musser's laboratory is focused on understanding how protiens cross membranes. Model systems include planar bilayers, vesicles, and live and premeabilized cells. Traditional biochemical and molecular biology approaches are used, in addition to advanced fluorescence methods, including single molecule methods.C. Nick Pace, Ph.D. -- College Station
Distinguished ProfessorRegents ProfessorMolecular & Cellular MedicineJ. Martin Schultz, Ph.D. -- College Station
ProfessorDepartment HeadMolecular & Cellular MedicineResearch Interests: Protein Folding and Solubility.The Schultz lab is interested in general and fundamental problems dealing with protein folding, misfolding and solubility. We employ and variety of biophysical and biochemical techniques to study aspects of protein stability, misfolding to amyloid and general questions about protein solubility that are relevant to human disease and treatment.
Gregg Wells, Ph.D. -- College Station
Assistant ProfessorMolecular & Cellular MedicineResearch Interests: Dr. Well's laboratory studies roles of protein structure in disease, particularly in neurological disease. Three specific areas of study: 1) structure and functions of the superfamily of neurotransmitter-gated ion channels; 2) interpreting electrophysiological properties of ligand gated ion channels in terms of structure and thermodynamics; 3) computational models describing cochlear hair cells. Neuropathology is the clinical specialty of Dr. Wells.
Van Wilson, Ph.D. -- College Station
ProfessorMicrobial & Molecular PathogenesisResearch Interests: Papillomaviruses, keratinocyte biology, sumoylation.The major goals of Dr. Wilson's lab are to understand the molecular biology of paillomavirus replication and the interplay between the virus and the host cell. A recent focus has been on the host cell sumoylation system (a protein-based post-translation modification system related to ubiquitinylation) and how the virus both uses and modifies this system to create an intracellular environment that facilitates viral presistence, reproduction, and oncogenesis.
