Abstract: The surface of a cell experiences frequent stretching and compression. The resulting membrane tension is converted to intracellular electrochemical signals via mechanosensitive proteins such as Piezo channels. Currently, our understanding of the subcellular sorting and activation of mechanosensitive proteins is still in its infancy. Moreover, mapping the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of cell membrane tension remains technically challenging.

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Abstract: Each scientist’s personal and professional journey is unique. But there are some common questions that often arise along the way. Do I belong in academia? What should my next step be? How do I manage a difficult relationship with a supervisor or colleague? How can I maintain my mental health? The list goes on—and there are rarely easy answers. But addressing them head-on is an important step, both for the individual researchers navigating their own trajectory and for the scientific community as a whole.

Abstract: Mucin-domain glycoproteins are densely O-glycosylated and play key roles in a host of biological functions. However, their dense O-glycosylation remains enigmatic both in glycoproteomic landscape and structural dynamics, primarily due to the challenges associated with studying mucin domains.

Abstract: Natural products (NPs) are a bountiful source of bioactive molecules. Bioinformatics data suggest hundreds-of-thousands of novel NPs remain to be discovered.  Unfortunately, many NPs are not produced under standard laboratory conditions. We are developing methods to access NPs from cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) utilizing a combination of bioinformatics, synthetic chemistry, and biocatalysis. Specifically, we are focused in two areas: cyclic peptides and γ-butyrolactone (GBL) hormones.

Abstract: Phospholipids are the major constituents of cellular membranes and also important signaling molecules. Because these hydrophobic metabolites are not directly genetically encoded, their detection and precise manipulation with traditional genetic methods is challenging. Therefore, chemical methods for detecting the biosynthesis and intracellular transport of lipids, as well as those for modulating their levels with a high degree of spatiotemporal control, are urgently needed.

Abstract: Phase separation compartmentalizes cells via the formation of membraneless organelles, also called biomolecular condensates. Phase separation influences many fundamental biological processes, from transcription to sorting of molecules and the stress response. Phase separation is mediated by a combination of associative and segregative phase transitions, or networking and a density transition, which together result in a percolated dense phase. Condensates therefore have emergent properties, i.e., properties that small complexes do not possess.

Abstract: "Rising human exposure to pathogens couples with increased antibiotic resistance and slow antibiotic development to pose a nearly insurmountable human health challenge. My work aims to discover novel proteins critical for pathogen survival, reveal important insights into their mechanisms, and develop chemical tools to modulate them. By focusing on pathogens with limited biosynthetic capabilities, we aim to discover novel antibiotic targets that are less likely to evade inhibitors.