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Education
Ph.D, 2001, MIT
B.A., Amherst College (Chemistry), 95
Research Interests
- Recombinant expression and purification of HLGAG-modifying
enzymes. The wide-spread use of the heparinases in elucidating
biological roles for HLGAGs has convinced me that developing
other molecular tools (such as enzymes that interact specifically
with HLGAGs) is an important pursuit. To this end, I am involved
with the large-scale bacterial expression of the mammalian
3-O sulfotransferases. In addition, I am also involved in the
biochemical characterization of these enzymes, especially delineating
the molecular interactions leading to their substrate specificity.
This project involves designing an appropriate expression vector,
enzyme production and purification, and site-directed mutagenesis.
- Biochemical characterization of heparinase I, II, and III.
To increase the usefulness of the heparinases as tools, I am involved
in understanding their mechanisms of action. This involves
identifying the active site and substrate binding site(s) on the
enzyme surface and understanding how this relates to the substrate
specificity of these enzymes. Through site-directed mutagenesis,
chemical modification and mapping studies, mass spectrometry, and
X-ray crystallography, I hope to increase our understanding of
this important group of enzymes.
- Sequencing of HLGAGs. Through a combination of mass spectrometry,
capillary electrophoresis, and computational methods, our group seeks
to sequence polysaccharides, including HLGAGs. Development of a
practical sequencing approach exploded the field of structure-function
studies for polynucleotides and polypeptides, and the advent of such
an approach for polysaccharides should have a similar effect.
Other Interests
sports, reading, movies, and the GREEN BAY PACKERS
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