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Melissa Starovasnik Director: Protein Engineering |
"Research Interests:
Research projects within our Protein NMR Group focus on exploring the solution structures of proteins and protein/protein or protein/ligand complexes involved in modulating cell-signaling events of therapeutic interest. In addition, the group undertakes analysis of biologically active peptides and small molecules, with emphasis on determining their conformations and protein-binding properties. The protein NMR facility includes dedicated 800, 600, and 500 MHz spectrometers, SGI and Linux workstations, a fully equipped protein expression and purification lab, and access to the Central California 900 MHz spectrometer. Our NMR group complements protein engineering, protein crystallography and modeling efforts within the Protein Engineering Department.
A key focus of my research has been to undertake the study of molecular interactions impacting B cell survival and function, with particular interest in the B cell activating factor BAFF, and its receptors BR3, TACI, and BCMA. Ongoing research is focused on developing an understanding of the structure and regulation of intracellular signaling components downstream of BR3 in the alternative NF-κB2 pathway, a key B cell survival pathway."