Welcome to the Haitin lab!
Every cell in our body engages in constant, dynamic communication with its surroundings. These perpetual cellular conversations relay vital information that powers a wide range of processes, enabling cells to adapt to changing environments. In our lab, we harness cutting-edge molecular techniques to explore the structural mechanisms that drive the activity and regulation of two crucial enzyme types: Ion channels, which facilitate ion transport across cell membranes, and Prenyltransferases, responsible for synthesizing molecules used in protein modification. Our research focuses on uncovering their critical cellular roles and examining their dysfunction in pathological processes such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
Ion channels are vital molecular gatekeepers, playing a central role in the intricate web of cellular communication. These remarkable proteins enable the precise movement of charged particles – ions – across lipid membranes, which would otherwise be impassable due to their hydrophobic nature. Their importance can't be overstated: around 15% of all drugs target ion channels, leveraging their crucial biological functions for therapeutic purposes. Like all proteins, the structure of ion channels is intimately linked to their diverse functions, making the study of their molecular properties not just fascinating but essential for advancing our understanding of cellular processes.
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Prenyltransferases are part of an essential enzyme superfamily, that are known as key players in generating post-translational modification (PTM) molecules. Ensuring correct protein folding, proper trafficking, and performing their designated biological functions, PTMs add an additional layer of complexity to proteins, expanding the functional and structural diversity of the entire proteome. In our lab, we focus on two distinct families of prenyltransferases linked to devastating conditions like inherited blindness, epilepsy, neurodegeneration, and cancer. By investigating their structure and function at the molecular level, we strive to unravel the mechanisms behind their roles in both health and disease, paving the way for potential therapeutic advances.