My Research
KEYWORDS
protein dynamics, molecular machines, cellular motility, cryo electron microscopy, structural biology, structure-dynamics-function relationships, motor proteins, lipid trafficking, host-parasite interactions, microbes, parasites, multi-scale imaging, pathogens
SUMMARY
From atoms to cells to organisms, life is in constant motion. Every cell faces the challenge of transporting molecules from one location to another within the cell, a process that is essential for normal function. Proteins that are responsible for proper transport range from simple globular proteins to large multi-protein complexes. In our lab, we use a hybrid approach to study the structural mechanisms of how macromolecular protein machines are spectacularly coordinated to facilitate transport in normal cells, and what goes wrong when they break.

We are interested in understanding how protein structure, function, and dynamics are coordinated in biological systems. We use structural biology techniques such as cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, in combination with biochemistry, functional assays and cell biology, to study complex macromolecular machines in cells. Our questions are centered on microbes and pathogens.