Sarah Hymowitz Senior Scientist: Protein Engineering Profile | Education/Background | Top Scientific Papers | Awards & Honors

"I was attracted to Genentech by the excellent science and the collaborative environment. I started as a postdoctoral fellow in Protein Engineering in 1999 and have been a scientist since 2002."

Current Projects "I am a member of the Genentech Structure group which encompasses both NMR and X-ray crystallography. My area of expertise is X-ray crystallography. I study the structure and interactions of macromolecules with ligands. These ligands can be receptors, small molecules or Fab fragments of antibodies. This information can assist in the development of potential therapeutics as well as lead to a better understanding of signaling events of importance to human disease. Active research projects include the structural biology of ubiquitin signaling as well as of protein complexes involved in modulating the cell cycle. Over the last several years, a significant ongoing area of research is the structure and function of members of the TNF super family of ligands and receptors. Current efforts in this area are focused on the interactions of TNFRSF members with non-canonical ligands."

Collaborations "All of my projects involve collaborations, both within my own department as well as with colleagues in Immunology, Molecular Oncology, Physiological Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Small Molecule Drug Discovery groups. The interdisciplinary nature of these projects provide constant opportunities to learn more about diverse areas of biology."

Inspiration/Vision "I am motivated by the hope that our work may someday help patients. I am inspired by the talents and insights of my colleagues."