SHAN LAB

To translate genetic information into biological function, a nascent polypeptide must fold into the correct structure, assemble with interaction partners, localize to the appropriate cellular destination, and undergo chemical modifications as well as regulated quality control. In the Shan lab, we aim to decipher the molecular basis of diverse protein biogenesis pathways, and to use them as models to understand how accuracy is generated from noisy and degenerate molecular signals in biology... An overarching theme of our research is to unravel the dynamics of molecular machines engaged in protein biogenesis, which provide the energetic driving force and enable the spatiotemporal regulation of the pathway. We combine the approach of mechanistic enzymology with biophysical tools such as steady-state and single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR, and EPR; these high resolution studies are further buttressed by genetics, molecular cell biology, systems level analysis, and mathematical..

Primary location: Pasadena United States