Research in our laboratory aims to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying cell-to-cell interactions and signal transduction across the cell membrane. We are particularly interested in understanding how cell-surface receptors located on developing axons and neurons interact with extracellular ligands to guide the development of the nervous system and the wiring of the brain.
In our investigations, we use X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM, combined with other biophysical, biochemical, and cell biological approaches. Some of the ligand/receptor signaling systems that we currently study include ephrins/Eph receptors, netrins/DCC/Unc5, Nogo/NgR/Lingo and angiopoietins/Ties. Recently, we have also been working towards the development of novel ADAM and Eph inhibitors as anti-cancer agents. Of particular interest are conformation-specific (tumor-specific) monoclonal antibodies targeting the substrate-recognition regions of ADAMs or the ligand-binding domains of Eph receptors.