Alva O. Way University Professor of Medical Science
We pursue biochemical and pharmacological studies aimed at understanding the fundamental structure-function relationship of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We also study the molecular basis for the highly specific recognition more>> of muscle-type nAChRs by certain snake venom-derived toxins classified as alpha-neurotoxins. More recently, we have used homologous recombination techniques to construct a knock-in mouse in which the alpha3 gene encoding one subtype of neuronal nAChRs has been minimally mutated to impart pharmacological sensitivity to the classic nicotinic antagonist, alpha-bungarotoxin. These mice should enable a systematic determination of the role of alpha3-containing nAChRs in behavior and nervous system function.
The focus of my research group is to understand the molecular basis of PP1 regulation. We combine the information derived from biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and additional biophysical techniques, such as ITC, DSC, more>> Biacore, and CD spectroscopy to undertsand how PP1 is targeted, regulated and inhibited in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, my research group is pursuing the production and the structure elucidation of membrane proteins and protein essential for the formation of bacterial biofilms.