My research investigates the molecular mechanisms of membrane trafficking from endosomes to lysosomes, which have a major role in protein degradation. Transmembrane proteins ubiquitinated on their cytoplasmic domains are sorted into vesicles that bud into the lumen of endosomes, resulting in their degradation upon fusion of endosomes with lysosomes. Molecular recognition of ubiquitinated transmembrane proteins requires an elaborate machinery known as the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRTs). Defects in the ESCRT machinery make profound contributions to human disease. My research on ESCRTs uses the model system Saccharomyces cerevisiae and a combination of genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, and electron tomographic modeling of membrane structures.
keywords
membrane trafficking, membrane scission, membrane tethering, membrane fusion, protein ubiquitination, protein deubiquitination, vesicle budding, vesicle docking, vesicle fusion
MCDB 2150 - Principles of Genetics
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Introduces the behavior of genes and chromosomes in eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Covers three areas: transmission genetics, molecular genetics, and population genetics. Attention is given to genetic mapping, recombinant DNA procedures, and gene expression. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 1150 or EBIO 1210 or CHEN 2810 (minimum grade C-) and recommended corequisite of MCDB 2152. Degree credit not granted for this course and MCDB 2222.
MCDB 4980 - Honors Research
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
Provides faculty-supervised research for students who have been approved by the departmental honors committee. Normally taken during the semester before completion of the honors thesis. Recommended prerequisite: MCDB 4840 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.20.
MCDB 4990 - Honors Thesis
Primary Instructor
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Spring 2024
Involves the preparation and defense of an honors thesis, based on faculty-supervised original research, including final phases of the research project. Recommended prerequisites: MCDB 4840 or MCDB 4980 or comparable research experience, and minimum GPA of 3.3 and approval by the MCDB Honors Committee.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2019 / Spring 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
Introduces methodology and techniques used in biological research. Designed as a tutorial between a few students and one faculty member. Students are expected to read original research papers, discuss findings, and to plan and execute experiments in selected areas. May be repeated up to 15 total credit hours.
