Biochemistry
Jenny Cappuccio
Dr. Cappuccio is interested in how membrane and surface proteins interface on the nanoscale. The research encompasses the biochemical and biotechnology aspects of these two classes of proteins, focusing on understanding their interactions with lipids and other proteins. Student use nanotechnology tools to enable studies of GPCRs such as the CB2 receptor and other membrane proteins in lipid nanodiscs. New areas of research include investigations of novel cellulases in partership with CSUPERB and the Joint Genome Institute and applications of membrane proteins in stem cell biology.
Jeffrey B. Schineller
My research interests encompass enzymology and design of enzyme inhibitors, bioluminescence, proteomics and identification of biomarkers, interspecies signaling mechanisms, and bacterial secondary metabolites. Current work includes the identification of proteins that bind bacterial quorum sensing signals, the use of proteomics techniques to identify biomarkers for exposure to environmental toxins.
Kimberly N. White
Dr. White's research interests focus on the extraction of small molecules from natural sources to provide answers to key scientific questions. One project involves the isolation of bioactive natural products from terrestrial and marine Gram negative bacteria, followed by structure elucidation and biological testing. Pharmaceuticals are often derived from or inspired by naturally occurring chemical structures. Bacteria are a proven source of chemical diversity with useful biological properties.
