Cesar Luna-Chavez, Ph.D. Email & Phone Number

Az

Our research group focuses on the structural biochemistry and biophysics of membrane proteins, which are central to nearly all essential cellular processes. These proteins regulate critical functions such as respiration, photosynthesis, cell communication, transport, growth, and recognition. Rather than acting in isolation, membrane proteins engage in complex networks within the cell, interacting with cofactors and signal-transducing proteins to mediate cellular communication.Membrane proteins are also key players in infectious diseases, facilitating the entry of viral and bacterial pathogens while playing crucial roles in cellular defense mechanisms. Beyond that, I have been directly involved in advancing both the methodologies and the scientific understanding of several membrane proteins critical to electron transfer, energy production, and the transport of therapeutic drugs.Our research, by nature, is highly interdisciplinary. We employ a range of techniques, including biochemistry, molecular biology, spectroscopy, crystallization, X-ray crystallography, and theoretical modeling, to unravel the structures, dynamics, and functions of these vital proteins. This comprehensive approach is essential for understanding the cellular processes they govern and the potential therapeutic applications they present.

Tempe, Az

My research interests continue to study the structure-function relationship of membrane proteins (IMPs) involved in bioenergetics; this time around, however, it is in bioenergy conversion from electron and proton transfer and translocation. While in Prof. Fromme’s Lab who along a team of ASU researchers and international colleagues developed the technique of serial femtosecond nanocrystallography for analyzing proteins using high-intensity X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFEL). I was involved with further unravelling the structure-function of Photosystem II, which is crucial for solar energy conversion in our biosphere. Dr. Fromme's lab is internationally known in the field of photosynthesis. Protein macromolecular crystallography and nanocrystallography via XFEL, which the latter is an incredible and cool new technology to advance the field of membrane protein structure-function science. But then again, without crystals no new technology can move forward. Crystallogenesis is therefore an area where new protein structures can be unraveled only if protein crystals can be grown. I have recently grown crystals of MDa proteins invisible to the eye yet a current commercially available instrument makes it possible to visualize them. We are talking about nano crystals. Thus, crystallogenesis of IMPs, invisible to the eyes before is now a greater realistic avenue to deliver new structures of unique IMPs.

Nashville, Tn

I continue combining atomic structure information, rigid body modeling and spin labeling with EPR spectroscopy for membrane structure-function studies. During preliminary studies, I re-introduced the use of a fluorescent-EPR spin label to investigate the mobility of a drug transporter in the bilayer with intriguing results.

Berkeley, Ca

Developed strategies for the study of membrane protein supercomplexes from wild type biomass. Started the development of SAXS (Small Angle X-Ray Scattering) of membrane proteins. Preliminary data I collected during multiple experiments suggest that for the first time it is possible to visualize 3-D structures of IMPs in solution.

Ph.D., Biophysics

Activities and Societies: Studied the influence of cofactors, redox centers, ligands and inhibitors in the solubility and function.

Post Grad, Biophysics

Activities and Societies: Post Graduate Researcher. Crystallized Complex II from E. coli, the first structure of this superfamily.

B.S., Biophysics

Activities and Societies: Investigated membrane order and fluidity, obtained with TEMPO, an EPR spin-label. These properties can.