Molecular Biophysics of Membrane Transport
The Stokes laboratory at New York University studies proteins that carry a variety of substances across biological membranes. We use methods of molecular biophysics and structural biology to evaluate functional and structural aspects of these proteins. Our overarching goal is to understand mechanisms by which these molecular machines distinguish between different substrates and then undergo physical contortions to facilitate passage across membranes, which cells use to form compartments (organelles) and as a boundary with the outside. Of particular interest is the coupling of energy that allows the proteins to move substrates against an electro-chemical gradient.
Proposed mechanism by which KdpFABC uses the energy from ATP hydrolysis to drive potassium (K+) transport into the cell. Activation of KdpFABC is essential for the survival of bacteria under osmotic stress and when their environment has low levels of potassium (e.g., fresh water)
Projects
Specific projects address a variety of membrane transport processes involving a diverse range of substrates. Our lab focuses on the proteins responsible for this transport and seek to understand the chemical/physical basis for their functionality. This is a rich area of research that encompasses ~170 different protein families with vast diversity both in substrate selection and mechanism. Proteins of interest in our lab come from the P-type ATPase and F-type ATPase family (ATP-dependent ion pumps), the Cation Diffusion Facilitator family (Zinc and Manganese), he Auxin Efflux Carrier family (auxin), the Resistance Nodulation Resistance family (sterols). Our work is funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health that support the efforts of a dedicated team of students and postdoctoral fellows at my own lab at NYU School of Medicine. All of our projects involve collaborations with a vibrant set of local and international colleagues who help to expand the scope of what a single lab can address.
