Lipid Signaling by Peripheral Membrane Proteins
Our research employs a broad-based experimental strategy focused on understanding the activities of proteins that drive lipid-mediated signal transduction at the membrane surface. These research efforts focus primarily on phosphatidylinositol transfer protein and protein kinases C signaling. We use genetic and cell biological models (mouse, yeast, pathogenic fungi, Toxoplasma) coupled with integrative structural biology approaches (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, atomistic molecular dynamics simulations) and other biophysical and biochemical techniques in our investigations. Our interests are in linking the structure, dynamics, and membrane interactions of these highly dynamic multi-modular protein systems to their biological functions. We are also particularly interested in understanding how derangements in these activities result in human diseases (neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disease, cancer, and diabetes) and leveraging our progress to develop lead compounds for the development of next-generation anti-fungal drugs.
Contact Us:
|
Dr. Tatyana Igumenova
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Texas A&M University 300 Olsen Boulevard Biochemistry Building, Rm. N118A College Station, TX 77483-2128 [email protected] |
Dr. Vytas Bankaitis
Department of Cell Biology & Genetics Texas A&M Health Science Center 116 Reynolds Building College Station, TX 77843-1114 [email protected] |