Dr. Park's laboratory studies the biogenesis of a molecular machine known as the proteasome, a major protease in eukaryotes. Her studies have changed the traditional view of the spontaneous formation of the proteasomal ATPase ring, via revealing conserved novel assembly chaperones for regulating assembly of the heterohexameric ATPase complex of the proteasome. These four chaperones (Rpn14, Nas6, Hsm3, and Nas2) principally act as negative regulators of proteasome assembly, by coupling with ATP hydrolysis. Her laboratory focuses on elucidating; (i) biological functions of active dissociation via these chaperones, (ii) mechanisms of an assembly-coupled degradation via an oncorpotein and assembly chaperone, Gankyrin in cancers, and (iii) signaling pathways for active disassembly of the proteasome via the chaperones during stress. Her work will provide major insights into the fundamental regulatory mechanisms for the proteasome and controlled protein degradation.
keywords
Mechanisms of molecular chaperones, controlled protein degradation, ubiquitin-proteasome pathway
MCDB 3135 - Molecular Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2018
Examines the central dogma of biology by discussing the most important molecules in cells (DNA, RNA and protein) and how their synthesis (DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing and translation) is regulated. Incorporated into the discussion is how recombinant DNA techniques are used to discover and dissect cellular processes, how to design and interpret experiments, and understanding the limits of experiments to draw conclusions.
MCDB 3145 - Cell Biology
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Spring 2022 / Fall 2022 / Spring 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024 / Fall 2024
Examines intracellular mechanisms, including transport of ions and small molecules across membranes; protein targeting to organelles; membrane trafficking between organelles; signal transduction; the cytoskeleton; and the cell cycle. Recommended prerequisite or corequisite: MCDB 3140 concurrent with either this class or MCDB 3135.
MCDB 6000 - Introduction to Laboratory Methods
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2021 / Fall 2023
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.
