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Mary Munson, Ph.D.
Academic Role: Assistant Professor
Faculty Appointment(s) In:
Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology
Other Affiliation(s):
Cell Biology
Cell Dynamics Group
Interdisciplinary Graduate Program
Potential Rotation Projects
Research in the Munson lab is focused on biochemical/biophysical and cell biological characterization of proteins in the exocyst complex. Potential rotation projects include the following:
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Cloning of various exocyst protein domains and point mutations. These will be expressed in E. coli for biochemical/structural studies, and their functions tested in yeast.
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Protein expression and purification. Develop purification strategies for several exocyst proteins and their domains, using chromatography methods such as ion exchange and gel filtration (Fig. 2).
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Characterization of the purified exocyst proteins. Protein structure, stability, oligomerization state and protein:protein interactions will be monitored by such techniques as circular dichroism, analytical ultracentrifugation and gel filtration (Fig. 3).
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Crystallography. We have determined the structure of the C-terminal domain of Sec6p (Fig. 4). Crystallization trials of other exocyst proteins and their domains are in progress.
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Design and test functional exocyst mutants in yeast. Mutants will be characterized using a variety of biochemical, cell biological, and microscopic techniques.
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Identify novel regulators of yeast exocytosis using a genetic screen. Mutants created in these screens are currently being tested and identified (Fig. 5). Their role in exocytosis will be explored
 
 
Office: LRB 905, Lab 970-Y, 940 A
Phone: 508-856-8318
E-mail: Mary.Munson@umassmed.edu
Keywords:
Intracellular Trafficking,
Biophysics,
Cell Biology,
Biochemistry,
Structural Biology
Postdoctoral Position Available
A postdoctoral position is available to study in this laboratory.
Contact Dr. Munson for additional details.
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364 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01605