Education
- PhD, 1979, Harvard University
- BA, 1972, Biophysics, Amherst College
Research Summary
Before closing his lab, Bob Sauer studied the relationship between protein structure, function, sequence and folding. He focused on the molecular machines that degrade or remodel proteins, targeting proteins for these ATP-dependent reactions. His experimental tools included biochemistry and single-molecule biophysics, structural biology, protein design and engineering, and molecular genetics.
Awards
- Protein Society, Stein and Moore Award, 2013
- Protein Society, Hans Neurath Award, 2007
- Protein Society, Amgen Award, 2001
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1996
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1993
Education
- PhD, 1983, MIT
- BSc, 1979, Medicinal Chemistry, University College London
Research Summary
We study diverse aspects of protein structure and function and employ multidisciplinary approaches to address fundamental problems at the interface of chemistry and biology. We are fascinated by the amazing complexity and myriad functions of glycoconjugates in human health and disease. Still more enthralling are the intricate membrane-associated pathways that lead to the cellular biogenesis of these important macromolecules. Our group applies approaches and technologies from a wide range of synergistic fields including chemical biology (for inhibitor and probe development), biochemistry and biophysics (for analyses within and beyond native and model membranes), and cellular, molecular and microbiology to unravel these pathways. Ultimately we seek to decipher the molecular logic of glycoconjugate biosynthesis and to identify processes to target in the study of infectious disease.
Awards
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2010
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) 2006
- American Chemical Society – Breslow Award for Achievement in Biomimetic Chemistry 2006
- Protein Society – Kaiser Award, 2006
- Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 2003-2013
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 2001
Education
- PhD, 2000, Free University of Berlin
- MS, 1996, Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin
- BS, 1993, Biochemistry, Free University of Berlin
Research Summary
Our primary goal is to understand how signals and molecules are transmitted between the nucleus and cytoplasm across the nuclear envelope. We work to decipher the mechanism and structure of the machinery that executes these cellular processes.
Education
- PhD, 2011, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- BS, 2002, Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Millersville University
Research Summary
In the Lamason lab, we investigate how intracellular bacterial pathogens hijack host cell processes to promote infection. In particular, we study how Rickettsia parkeri and Listeria monocytogenes move through our tissues via a process called cell-to-cell spread. We utilize cellular, molecular, genetic, biochemical and biophysical approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of spread in order to reveal key aspects of pathogenesis and host cell biology.
Awards
- NIH Pathway to Independence Award, 2015
Education
- PhD, 2010, MIT
- BA, 2003, Computer Science, University of California, Berkeley
- BS, 2003, Biological Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
Research Summary
The Davis lab is working to uncover how cells construct and degrade complex molecular machines rapidly and efficiently. We apply a variety of biochemical, biophysical, and structural approaches including quantitative mass spectrometry and single particle cryo-electron microscopy to understand the detailed molecular mechanisms of these processes. Ongoing projects in the lab are focused on autophagy, an essential eukaryotic protein and organelle degradation pathway, and assembly of the ribosome, which is essential in all cells.
Awards
- Sloan Research Fellowship, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, 2021
- National Institute on Aging R00 Fellowship, 2017
- National Institute on Aging K99 Fellowship, 2015
Education
- PhD, 1997, Stanford University
- BS, 1990, Biological Sciences, Stanford University
Research Summary
We aim to understand the code for RNA splicing: how the precise locations of introns and splice sites are identified in primary transcripts and how its specificity changes in different cell types. Toward this end, we are mapping the RNA-binding affinity spectra of dozens of human RNA-binding proteins and integrating this information with in vivo binding and activity data. We are also studying the functions of 3’ untranslated regions, including their roles in mRNA localization and microRNA regulation. The lab uses a combination of computational and experimental approaches to address these questions.
Awards
- Schering-Plough Research Institute Award (ASBMB), 2007
- Overton Prize for Computational Biology (ISCB), 2001
Education
- PhD, 1990, University of California, Berkeley
- BS, 1985, Integrated Science Program and Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Cell Biology, Northwestern University
Research Summary
We focus on the events that occur at the starting points of chromosome duplication. These DNA sequences — called “origins of replication” — are found at multiple sites on each eukaryotic chromosome and direct the assembly of replisomes, which replicate the DNA on both sides of the origin. We study this assembly process to understand how chromosomes are replicated, and how these events are regulated during the cell cycle to ensure genome maintenance.
Awards
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2017
- National Academy of Sciences Award in Molecular Biology, 2009
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 2000
Education
- PhD, 1993, Harvard University
- BA, 1982, Biology, Goshen College
Research Summary
We study microRNAs and other small RNAs that specify the destruction and/or translational repression of mRNAs. We also study mRNAs, focusing on their untranslated regions and poly(A) tails, and how these regions recruit and mediate regulatory phenomena.
Awards
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 2011
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 2005
- National Academy of Sciences Award in Molecular Biology, 2005
- AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, 2002
Education
- PhD, 1965, Yale University
- BA, 1962, Biology, Amherst College
Research Summary
We study the molecules that allow fungi to penetrate tissues and grow in a hostile environment. Using genetics, biochemistry and genomics, we answer questions such as: What makes Candida albicans such a successful pathogen? How do fungal pathogens evolve antibiotic resistance? How do they manage to change their genetic composition so rapidly?
The Fink lab is no longer accepting students.
Awards
- Thomas Hunt Morgan Medal, Genetics Society of America, 2020
- James R. Killian Jr. Faculty Achievement Award, 2018
- American Association for the Advancement of Science, Fellow, 2015
- Gruber International Prize in Genetics, 2010
- American Philosophical Society, 2003
- Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology – Lifetime Achievement Award, 2002
- George W. Beadle Award, Genetics Society of America, 2001
- Ellison Medical Foundation, Senior Scholar Award, 2001
- National Academy of Medicine, 1996
- Wilbur Lucius Cross Medal, Yale University, 1992
- Emil Christian Hansen Foundation Award for Microbiology, Denmark, 1986
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Fellow, 1984
- Yale Science and Engineering Award, 1984
- National Academy of Sciences, Member, 1981
- National Academy of Sciences Award in Molecular Biology, 1981
- John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, Guggenheim Fellowship, 1974
Education
- PhD,1995, University of Michigan
- BS, 1985, Chemistry, Vassar College
Research Summary
We use X-ray crystallography to investigate the structure and function of enzymes that are medically important in environmental remediation. We are particularly interested in metalloprotein biochemistry, and in the role of conformational change in catalysis.
Awards
- National Academy of Sciences, 2023
- American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fellow, 2021
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Member, 2020
- Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Award, Protein Society, 2020
- Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow, 2015-2025
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Investigator, 2008
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, HHMI Professor, 2006
