Research Description

Our research interests are largely directed toward understanding how protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) affect the molecular regulation of protein kinases and phosphatases, and seek novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer treatment. We are developing and applying chemoenzymatic protein semi-synthesis approaches to site-specifically install PTMs such as phosphorylation and ubiquitin into target signaling enzymes, and employ a combination of biochemical, structural, and cellular approaches to elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of the enzymes. Currently, we are investigating three key Ser/Thr kinases S6K1 (mTORC1-S6K1 signaling), Cdk5 and LKB1.