My research interests lie in the structural and functional basis of receptor/ligand interactions, which are relevant to human health and disease. Much of my studies aim to elucidate the molecular recognition properties governing receptor interactions with ligand, and subsequent molecular events coupling ligand recognition to receptor activation. Many of the systems we are studying are related to the interaction of the host cell with environmental cues. Structural studies are complemented by functional approaches using molecular biology and protein engineering to dissect structural information, design proteins/peptides/small molecules with modified specificities and activities, and ultimately contributes to the development of biologics with therapeutic potential.
