Education
- PhD, 1998, University of California, Los Angeles
- SB, 1992, Physics, Harvard University
Research Summary
Our goal is to understand, at a high level of detail, how the interaction properties of proteins are encoded in their sequences and structures. We investigate protein-protein interactions by integrating data from high throughput assays, structural modeling, and bioinformatics with biochemical and biophysical experiments. Much of our work focuses on α-helical coiled-coil proteins, Bcl-2 apoptosis-regulating proteins, and protein domains that bind to short linear motifs.
Education
- PhD, 1976, California Institute of Technology
- BS, 1971, Chemistry, Tulane University
Research Summary
We use genetic, biochemical, physiologic, chemical, cellular and molecular biological methods to study cell surface receptor structure and function. We focus on lipoprotein receptors — in particular, the High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) receptor called Scavenger Receptor, Class B, Type I (SR-BI). Our analyses have provided insight into basic biological processes, contributed to our understanding of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD) and have uncovered an unexpected connection between cholesterol and mammalian female infertility.
No longer accepting new students.
Awards
- Tulane University School of Science and Engineering Outstanding Alumnus Award, 2010
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2009
- Outstanding Achievement Award for Contributions to Atherosclerosis Research, International Atherosclerosis Society, 2009
- Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 1993-2003
Education
- PhD, 2002, Stanford University
- BS, 1997, Molecular Biology, University of California, San Diego
Research Summary
We study the biological mechanisms and evolution of how cells process information to regulate their own growth and proliferation. Using bacteria as a model organism, we aim to elucidate the detailed molecular basis for this remarkable regulatory capability, and understand the selective pressures and mechanisms that drive the evolution of signaling pathways. Our work is rooted in a desire to develop a deeper, fundamental understanding of how cells function and evolve, but it also has important medical implications since many signaling pathways in pathogenic bacteria are needed for virulence.
Awards
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 2015
- National Science Foundation, Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, 2010
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Early Career Scientist, 2009
Education
- PhD, 2010, Harvard University
- SB, 2004, Physics, National Tsinghua University
Research Summary
We seek to understand the optimization of bacterial proteomes at both mechanistic and systems levels. Our work combines high-precision assays, genome-wide measurements, and quantitative/biophysical modeling. Ongoing projects focus on the design principles of transcription, translation, and RNA maturation machineries in the face of competing cellular processes.
Awards
-
Smith Odyssey Award, 2020
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MIT Committed to Caring Award, 2020
- NSF Career Award, 2019
- Pew Biomedical Scholar, 2017
- Smith Family Award for Excellence in Biomedical Research, 2017
- NIGMS R35 Maximizing Investigator Research Award, 2017
- Sloan Research Fellowship, 2016
- Searle Scholar, 2016
- NIH Pathway to Independence Award, 2013
Education
- PhD, 2012, Washington University in St. Louis
- BS, 2004, Cellular and Molecular Biology and Studio Art, Tulane University
Research Summary
Our lab is interested in the molecular events that enable apicomplexan parasites to remain widespread and deadly infectious agents. We study many important human pathogens, including Toxoplasma gondii, to model features conserved throughout the phylum. We seek to expand our understanding of eukaryotic diversity and identify specific features that can be targeted to treat parasite infections.
Awards
- Odyssey Award, Smith Family Foundation, 2021
Education
- ScD, 1966, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- BS, 1962, Food Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Research Summary
The Sinskey Lab leverages an interdisciplinary approach to metabolic engineering — focusing on the fundamental physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of important organisms to determine key factors that regulate the synthesis of different biomolecules. The lab supports a broad range of interests, examining amino acid metabolism in Corynebacterium glutamicum, bioremediation and bioconversion processes in Rhodococcus, and biopolymer synthesis in Gram-negative bacteria. As for eukaryotic systems, we study both lipid biosynthesis and embryogensis in oil palm, as well as the accumulation of secondary metabolites in tropical plants.
Education
- PhD, 2008, University of Michigan; MD, 2008, University of Michigan Medical School
- BS, 1999, Biochemistry and Physics, University of Michigan
Research Summary
The adult intestine is maintained by stem cells that require a cellular neighborhood, or niche, consisting in part of Paneth cells. Our laboratory will investigate the molecular mechanisms of how intestinal stem cells and their Paneth cell niche respond to diverse diets to coordinate intestinal regeneration with organismal physiology and its impact on the formation and growth of intestinal cancers. By better understanding how intestinal stem cells adapt to diverse diets, we hope to identify and develop new strategies that prevent and reduce the growth of cancers involving the intestinal tract that includes the small intestine, colon, and rectum.
Awards
- AAAS Martin and Rose Wachtel Cancer Research Award, 2018
- Pew-Stewart Trust Scholar, 2016-2020
- Sidney Kimmel Scholar, 2016-2020
- V Foundation Scholar, 2014-2017
- Harold M. Weintraub Award, 2007
Education
- PhD, 1991, California Institute of Technology
- BS, 1983, Electrical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Research Summary
Our laboratory studies the neural processes within the hippocampus and neocortex that enable memories to form and persist over time. We use a technique that allows us to simultaneously record the activity of hundreds of individual neurons across multiple brain regions in freely behaving animals. When combined with genetic, pharmacological and behavioral manipulations, these recordings allow us to gain a mechanistic understanding of how animals learn and remember.
Awards
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 2012
Education
- PhD, 1974, University of Illinois
- BS, 1970, Chemistry, Carleton University
Research Summary
Our research is concentrated in two major areas. First, we aim to understand how the proteins involved in DNA repair, mutagenesis and other cellular responses to DNA damage are regulated. Some of our discoveries have the potential to improve chemotherapy. Second, we probe how nitrogen-fixing nodules develop on legumes, and the relationship between rhizobial functions required for nodule invasion/infection and mammalian pathogenesis.
Awards
- Revolutionizing Innovative, Visionary Environmental health Research (RIVER), R35 Outstanding Investigator Award, 2017
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2013
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Professor, 2010
- University of Guelph, Doctor of Science, honoris causa, 2010
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow, 2008
- Environmental Mutagen Society, EMS Award, 2006
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 2004
- American Cancer Society, Research Professor, 2002
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Professor, 2002
- Charles Ross Scholar, 2000-2003
- American Academy of Microbiology, Fellow, 1994
- Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 1992-2002
- John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Guggenheim Fellowship, 1984
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MacVicar Faulty Fellow, 1984
- Rita Allen Foundation, Career Development Award, 1978
Education
- PhD, 1974, Harvard University
- BS, 1968, Mathematics and Economics, MIT
Research Summary
Our lab examines how genes control animal development and behavior. We use the experimentally tractable nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to identify and analyze molecular and cellular pathways involved in these important areas of biology. Ultimately, we hope to clarify these fundamental biological mechanisms and provide further insight into human disease.
Awards
- U.S. National Academy of Inventors, Member, 2015
- American Association for Cancer Research Academy, Fellow, 2013
- Royal Society of London, Foreign Member, 2009
- Genetics Society (U.K.), Mendel Medal, 2007
- Eli Lilly Lecturer Award, 2007
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, James R Killian Jr Faculty Achievement Award, 2006
- National Academy of Medicine, Member, 2003
- American Cancer Society, Medal of Honor, 2002
- The Nobel Foundation, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2002
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Award for Distinguished Achievement in Neuroscience, 2001
- March of Dimes, Developmental Biology, 2000
- Gairdner Foundation, Gairdner Foundation International Award, 1999
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1991
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1989
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow, 1989
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 1988
