Section: Research

Postdoctoral Position Available

Stephen Miller, Ph.D.

Academic Role: Assistant Professor

Faculty Appointment(s) In:
   Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology

Chemical Dissection of Cellular GTPase Function

Many dynamic cellular processes are controlled in whole or in part by GTPases, including endocytosis, vesicular trafficking, cell movement, maintenance of Golgi structure, nuclear transport, mitosis and cytokinesis. GTPases are often described as switches, where the GTP-bound form is “on”, while the GDP-bound form is in the “off” position. The location and timing of this activation is critical for proper cell function, but is still poorly understood.

To study the spatial and temporal control of cellular processes by GTPases, our lab is using the power of chemistry to synthesize molecules that can quickly enter living cells and allow us to disrupt or probe the activation and interactions of specific proteins. We will use these molecules to study these rapid processes in living cells using fluorescence microscopy. We are focusing on two areas:

• Inhibitors of GTPase activation and function.
• Fluorescent probes of protein localization and interactions in vivo.

Office: LRB 805
Phone: 508-856-8865
Fax: 508-856-2003
E-mail: Stephen.Miller@umassmed.edu
Keywords: Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Imaging and Microscopy, Chemical Biology, Drug Design

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Postdoctoral Position Available A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory. Experience in synthetic organic chemistry is preferred. Contact Dr. Miller for additional details.