Current research topics

Microtubule-associated protein tau

Neurodegeneration is a progressive brain disorder that causes devastating loss of memory, thinking ability, and eventually everyday tasks. Our laboratory applies protein engineering and synthetic biology to understand how post-translational modifications cause toxicity. Current projects include:

• Production of tau with defined post-translational modifications
• Development of new imaging approaches for detecting changes to the microtubule-associated protein tau and
• Antibodies for detecting tau species associated with neurodegeneration

 

RNA-binding proteins

These proteins regulate all aspects of RNA including splicing, translation, and translocation. They are also key components of stress granules, which are liquid-like droplets. We are studying these protein-RNA complexes by developing nanobodies, which are single-domain binding proteins derived from camelids. Current projects include:

• Methods to image stress granules in live cells
• Methods for reducing RNA binding protein concentration involved in stress granule formation

 

Antibody engineering and validation

Antibody therapeutics have emerged as an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. We are applying protein engineering strategies to validate and engineer the binding specificity of these antibodies.