Lab/Bench Research – Page 2

Single-cell proteome heterogeneity due to MYH HCM mutations and recovery by Mavacamten

Abstract Technological innovations continue to advance our understanding by delivering new insights and enabling paradigm shifts that address previously unanswerable questions. Recent breakthroughs in high-sensitivity mass spectrometry, coupled with innovative technological pipelines, have permitted our group, for the first time, to directly quantify over 2,000 proteins from a single isolated cardiomyocyte (CM). This achievement provides … Read more

Cracking the rRNA modification code in cancer

PROJECT ABSTRACT / SUMMARY The ribosome is a fine-tuned regulator of gene expression through multiple layers of regulation, including post- transcriptional RNA modifications. Cancer cells have “hijacked” the translation machinery to exert rapid and selective translational control of the cancer proteome in a matter that is distinct from normal cells. Changing the landscape of the … Read more

Structure and conformational dynamics of membrane-associated HIV-1 antisense protein ASP to aid viral entry

PROJECT SUMMARY Pandemic HIV-1 group M strains encode an antisense protein (ASP) of ~189 amino acids and with a molecular weight ~20 kilodaltons (kDa). Expression of ASP is driven by a constitutive, Tat-independent negative sense promoter in the 3’ long terminal repeat (LTR). The presence of cellular and humoral immune responses against ASP in peripheral … Read more

How tubulin and kinesin gene families specialize microtubule networks

ABSTRACT Our understanding of the inventory of genetically encoded and post-translationally modified forms of cytoskeletal proteins has grown immensely over the last 20 years. It is now clear that microtubule networks are not uniform tracks that are traversed by a common set of motor proteins. Instead, the tubulin subunits of microtubules can sample a variety … Read more

Signaling in the Aphid-Buchnera Endosymbiosis: Maintaining Homeostasis Within and Across Generations

Beneficial bacteria that live inside insect cells are widespread in nature and have persisted in partnerships with their hosts for tens to hundreds of millions of years. Despite their importance – many insects cannot survive or reproduce without them – scientists know surprisingly little about how host cells maintain normal function while housing a resident … Read more

RESEARCH-PGRP: BIO-AI: Genomic Drivers and Functional Implications of Plant Transcription Start Site Selection

Every cell in a plant carries the same genetic blueprint, yet different cells use that blueprint in different ways, a process controlled by where and how genes begin to be read, or transcribed. This starting point, known as the transcription start site (TSS), acts like a switch that determines not only when a gene turns … Read more

FET: Toward Rewritable and Distributed In Vivo DNA Data Storage Networks

This project addresses the critical challenge of global data storage by developing a sustainable, high-density alternative to traditional silicon-based hard drives. While DNA has long been recognized as a powerful medium for long-term data preservation, existing technologies are often slow and limited to “write-once” applications, like an old-fashioned CD-ROM. This research aims to overcome these … Read more

New Directions in Nickel and Photoredox Catalysis

Project Summary/Abstract The discovery and manufacture of new life-saving medicines necessitates the development of new and improved synthetic tools that can access complex, bioactive chemical structures in a selective and sustainable manner. The proposed research program seeks to address this need by devising novel chemical reactions and elucidating new principles of catalysis in the fields … Read more

Predoctoral Training in Quantitative Cell & Molecular Biology

The Quantitative Cell and Molecular Biology (qCMB) Training Program provides comprehensive and flexible training in quantitative approaches in order to facilitate cross-disciplinary and collaborative research in the broad field of Cell & Molecular Biology. The Program produces outstanding graduates with the skills to meet the computational and professional demands of modern life science research. The … Read more

Genetic analysis of centrioles and cilia

Project Summary/Abstract Basal bodies are large protein complexes that template cilia and organize the cytoskeleton. Defects in basal bodies contribute to both cancer and ciliopathies. Ciliopathies are human syndromic diseases that include brain malformations, mental retardation, polydactyl, blindness, obesity, and defective kidneys. Cilia are key for multiple functions that include respiratory function, fertility, and establishment … Read more