CURRENT LAB MEMBERS
Meet our members!
Recruited from all corners of the planet, each member brings something special to the York lab - be it a technique from their previous lab work or an inspiration as a new day unfolds.
Dr. John Yorkyorkj@duke.edu
John York studies the biology and enzyme regulation of inositol cellular signal transduction pathways, and the mechanisms of lithium action as it pertains to treatment of bipolar disorder (manic depression).
Investigator, Howard Hughes Medical Institute
Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology
Professor of Biochemistry
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Joanne Stearnsjoanne.stearns@duke.edu
Administrative Assistant
I have found it is imperative to have a great sense of humor as well as a sense of responsibility to meet the needs of our growing lab. We always manage to find time for fun...and a great cup of espresso!
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Dr. Wenli Baibai@duke.edu
I am currently using Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model system to study the biological function of inositides. Using gene disruption and transformation techniques, I have characterized several new phenotypic changes in fission yeast whose inositide pathways have been disturbed. Through these studies, we are hoping to further shed light on the biological significance of inositide chemical messengers.
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Dr. D. Eric Dollins
ded8@duke.edu
My research involves the investigation into the roles of the inositol pyrophosphate class of signaling molecules. To this end, I am taking a multi-faceted approach to elucidate the mechanisms by which two classes of kinases responsible for the synthesis of PP-IPs regulate cellular signaling. KcsI(IP6K)and Vip1/Vip2 act as distinct kinases whose products differ in the stereochemistry of which position harbors the pyrophosphate. This position of
the pyrophosphate is decoded by the cell and is sufficient to instruct the regulation of unique cellular processes.
Stuart Endo-Streeter
stuart.endostreeter@duke.eduI seek to understand the specificity of inositol polyphosphate kinases and phosphatases. Using biochemical and crystallographic methods I hope to elucidate the structural and mechanistic bases by which these enzymes discriminate between different IP species. With this knowledge, I hope to use synthetic biological design to create novel signaling networks as a means to further elucidate the biology of inositide signaling.
Dr. Joshua Frederickjpf1@duke.edu
I am interested in the characterization of inositol polyphosphate kinases and of a family of lithium-inhibited signaling phosphatases. Our mouse knockout studies of Ipk2 have provided important insights into the roles of IP messengers in developmental biology. In addition, I seek to further elucidate the biologic functions of the lithium-sensitive family of phosphatase. We are particularly interested in the putative role of these proteins in the treatment of certain human diseases, such as bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness).
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Peter Fridypcf2@duke.edu
Inositol pyrophosphates are signaling molecules whose roles are just beginning to be elucidated. We recently identified a new activity capable of synthesizing a novel inositol pyrophosphate. I am working on the purification and characterization of this activity, which we have named Ips1 (inositol pyrophosphate synthase 1).
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Ace Hatchace.hatch@duke.edu
I am investigating the mechanisms by which inositol polyphosphate kinase 2 (Ipk2), also known as Arg82 or ArgRIII, regulates the transcription of a diverse set of genes. It has been shown that the production of inositol pentakisphosphate (IP5) is required for expression of a number of yeast genes. I am currently using both genetic and biochemical approaches to identify factors involved in IP5 mediated transcriptional. My goal is to determine the mechanisms by which IP5 directly regulates transcriptional machinery.
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Ben Hudson
bhh7@duke.edu
I am interested in a family of lithium-inhibited nucleotidases in particular bisphosphate nucleotidase or BPNT. BPNT is a critical component in the sulfate assimilation pathway involved in the recycling of the sulfate donor 3' phosphoadenosine 5' phosphosulfate (PAPS) which after donation of its sulfate group yields PAP which is then cleaved by BPNT resulting in 5'AMP. My research focuses on the elucidation of the phenotype of the BPNT knockout mouse. This project has used a number of tools including forward genetics and biochemical analyses. The research has led us to diverse areas such as whole body physiology, mechanisms of RNA turnover, and regulation of sulfation.
Ryan Irving
ryan.irving@duke.edu My interests are in the field of neurobiology and I have been assisting with experiments related to understanding lithium pharmacology. In conjunction with Josh Frederick, I am exploring the subcellular localization and tissue distribution of members of the lithium-inhibited signaling phosphatase family. This is proving to be very informative with respect to clues into the function and biology of the proteins. I also manage several aspects of the operations within the York lab.
Shenglan Lishenglan.li@duke.edu
York Lab welcomes Shenglan Li as our newest lab member. She started working in August and her work will focus on the functional analysis of the role of inositol phosphates in mammalian and model systems.
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Dr. Jessica MonserrateJessica.Monserrate@duke.edu
Jessica has come to work for York Lab from the University of California, Irvine. Her research will focus on the characterization and discovery of Drosophila inositol signaling pathways.
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Dr. James Ottojim.otto@duke.edu
We are interested in understanding the metabolism of soluble inositol polyphosphates, and the roles that these molecules may play in cell function. My work specifically has involved the development of fluorescent nanosensors for inositol polyphosphates, with an eye on using them to assess the levels of inositol polyphosphates in cells.
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Dr. Usha Padmanabhan
Dr. Padmanabhan will join York Lab on November 3, 2008 as a Research Associate.
Trang PhamTrang.Pham@duke.edu
I'm a second-year student in CMB program. I am affiliated with the Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology. I come from Vietnam. I'm studying IP- binding proteins and their potential use as IP sensors.
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Dr. Marco Tsuitsui0003@mc.duke.edu
My interests are in the area of inositol polyphosphate signaling in Drosophila. Using a number of tools developed in conjunction with Andy Seeds, I am interested in studying the regulation of inositol polyphosphate kinases and the signaling pathways involved in transducing inositide signaling.
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Man Ying Tin (Mandy)
manying.tin@duke.edu
Mandy has recently joined our lab as a Research Technician. Her research focuses on the characterization and discovery of Drosophila (fly) inositol signaling pathways.
