Biochemistry and Structural Biology

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 Professor
Molecular & Cellular Medicine
Research Interests: Hox transcription factors as master regulators and biomaterials.
Animal development requires individual Hox proteins to sense the cellular context and implement one of many possible gene regulatory cascades. The Bondos lab is discovering two Hox transcription factors 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 proteins.

David Dostal, Ph.D. -- Temple
Associate Professor
Cardiovascular Research Institute

Arthur Johnson, Ph.D. -- College Station
Distinguished Professor
Wehner-Welch Chair
Molecular and Cellular Medicine
Research Interests: Protein sorting and folding at membranes; Cytolytic pore-forming bacterial toxins.
The movement of proteins through or into a membranes is examined using primarily fluorescence, FRET, and photocrosslinking. Fluorescence spectroscopy is being used to investigate the movement of misfolded proteins from the ER to the cytosol for degradation (ERAD) and the creation of holes in mammalian cell membranes by bacterial toxins.

Geoffrey Kapler, Ph.D. -- College Station
Professor
Molecular & Cellular Medicine

Siegfried Musser, Ph.D. -- College Station
Associate Professor
Molecular & Cellular Medicine
Research Interests: Bacterial Secretion; Nuclear Transport
Dr. Musser's laboratory is focused on understanding how proteins 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 Professor
Regents Professor
Molecular & Cellular Medicine
Research Interests: Protein Folding
The important tasks in living cells are carried out by proteins in which the polypeptide chain is tightly folded into a globular conformation that is essential for the biological function of the protein. The amino acid sequence of the protein determines the folded conformation. Using recombinant DNA technology, proteins can now be constructed with any desired amino acid sequence, and to learn how changes in the amino acid sequence affect the function, mechanism of folding, and stability of proteins.

J. Martin Scholtz, Ph.D. -- College Station
Professor
Molecular & Cellular Medicine
Research Interests: Protein Folding and Solubility.
The Scholtz 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 Professor
Molecular & Cellular Medicine
Research Interests:
Dr. Well's laboratory studies roles of protein structure in disease, particular 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
Professor
Microbial & Molecular Pathogenesis
Research Interests: Papillomaviruses, keratinocyte biology, sumoylation.
The major goals. 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 persistence, reproduction, and oncogenesis.

Warren Zimmer, Ph.D. -- College Station
Professor
Systems Biology & Translational Medicine
Research Interests: Gene Regulation, Development, Cancer and Genetic Therapies
Dr. Zimmer's laboratory is interested in understanding how genes work in development and disease. We have focused upon factors that influence the differentiation of smooth muscle cells within the gastrointestinal tract, but have found common factors regulate gene programs in prostate epithelia which when altered lead to cancer. We utilize a variety of techniques including molecular and cell biological analyses, creating mouse models through knock out and transgenic analyses, structural and biochemical analyses, as well as a systems approach (microarray, quantitative PCR) to address questions of gene regulation and how this regulation influences development and disease.