The Group

We are a group of scientists pursuing research at the interface of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. To investigate the structure and mechanism of membrane proteins, we use a variety of techniques. These include: Expression of membrane proteins in human, yeast, insect, and bacterial cells; Purification using diverse chromatographic techniques; Reconstitution of membrane proteins in proteoliposomes and nanodiscs for functional, biophysical, and structural studies; Single particle cryo-​electron microscopy and X-​ray crystallography for high resolution structure determination; Functional assays to establish enzyme kinetics. In collaboration with synthetic chemistry groups, we generate novel substrate and inhibitor analogs that serve as tools for mechanistic and structural studies and may also catalyze drug discovery. In collaboration with protein engineers, we develop novel protein binders (monoclonal antibodies, synthetic Fabs, nanobodies) to trap distinct states of proteins. In collaboration with geneticists, physiologists, and glycobiologists, we investigate cellular roles of the processes mediated by the membrane proteins we investigate.