Recipients
Where is your money going?
We have identified a research program at The University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences to which we will focus our funds. Funds will be donated to The Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization directed by Dr. George Lorimer.
The Center for Biological Structure and Organization (CBSO) is engaged in fundamental research into the structure and function of many different proteins whose malfunction is associated with a wide array of diseases. Current research includes:
- On the structural side Dr. Nicole LaRonde-LeBlanc has recently determined the three-dimensional structure of Rio Kinase by x-ray crystallography. This is an exciting development since this protein has been implicated in the unchecked cell proliferation of many cancers. The structure of Rio Kinase will greatly accelerate the design of drugs aimed at suppressing the activity of this protein and hence the proliferation of cancer cells.
- Dr. Jin Hu has determined the structure of the WRN RecQ Helicase by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Mutations in this protein and other members of the RecQ Helicase family are associated with genetic diseases, such as Werner Syndrome, that causes premature ageing and cancer. currently there is no therapy for this condition.
- Dr. David Fushman, also an NMR spectroscopist, is researching the dynamic behavior of the protein Ubiquitin. This protein plays an essential role in protein metabolism within the cell. Malfunction of the ubiquitin system is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Syndrome,Parkinson’s Disease and Cystic Fibrosis.
- Dr. Victor Munoz uses Atomic Force Microscopy and Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy to investigate the structure of microfibrils of Tau protein that accumulate in the brains of patients suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. What causes the Tau protein to form the aberrant, fibril form is not understood.
- Many diseases are associated with the misfolding and aggregation of proteins. A fundamental understanding of the folding process is necessary if these diseases are to be controlled. Dr. Munoz also investigates the very early events in protein folding, using infrared and fluorescence spectroscopy to measure events on the time scale of one-billionth of a second.
- Dr. Lorimer’s research focuses on the function of a group of proteins, the chaperonins. These proteins are indispensable. They ensure the correct folding of a multitude of other proteins that would otherwise form biologically inactive aggregates. Malfunction of of human form of the chaperonins is associated with neurological diseases and severe developmental abnormalities.
Take a look at the research staff bios and get more detailed information on current research projects within the Center.
We will continue to post new and updated information about the specific research efforts we will be supporting on this page, so check back often!