Biophysics lead supporting ten oncology small molecule programs at various stages-Experience in identifying small molecule mechanism of binding and binding sites within proteins.-Investigating the manner in which proteins engage other proteins, small molecules and/or endogenous ligands (SPR, HTRF, ITC, DSF) -Extensive experience in DEL campaigns and hit-ID follow-up using biophysical methods (SPR) -Experience in protein and small molecule tool validation for HTS, with… Show more Biophysics lead supporting ten oncology small molecule programs at various stages-Experience in identifying small molecule mechanism of binding and binding sites within proteins.-Investigating the manner in which proteins engage other proteins, small molecules and/or endogenous ligands (SPR, HTRF, ITC, DSF) -Extensive experience in DEL campaigns and hit-ID follow-up using biophysical methods (SPR) -Experience in protein and small molecule tool validation for HTS, with post-screen hit-ID follow-up and direct target engagement validation primarily using SPR and confirming lead matter - Driving routine SAR using biophysical methods (SPR)- Expertise in binding kinetics and the use of binding kinetic data in late-stage optimization of lead series as well as predicting in vivo behavior of the lead candidates-Expertise in identifying kinetic thresholds to inhibit on-target cellular markers and cell growth. Show less

Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein engages heparan sulfate to mediate viral infection. • Identified a critical SARS-CoV-2 cell surface ligand and receptor co-factor heparan sulfate• Investigated host-microbe interactions in COVID-19, and identified bacteria associated with adverse outcomes of COVID-19• Characterizing and identifying bacterial enzymes’ specificity to degrade heapran sulfate and augment SARS-CoV-2 viral infection.Identifying small molecule regulators… Show more Investigating how SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein engages heparan sulfate to mediate viral infection. • Identified a critical SARS-CoV-2 cell surface ligand and receptor co-factor heparan sulfate• Investigated host-microbe interactions in COVID-19, and identified bacteria associated with adverse outcomes of COVID-19• Characterizing and identifying bacterial enzymes’ specificity to degrade heapran sulfate and augment SARS-CoV-2 viral infection.Identifying small molecule regulators of Heparan sulfate biosynthesis and SARS-CoV-2 infection • Created a high throughput chemical library screen to identify regulators of SARS-CoV-2 viral attachment. Employed chemical biology and system biology tools to follow-up on the mechanism of action Investigating the role of oxidized phospholipids in mouse models of bacterial sepsis.Identifying and characterizing ligand-receptor interactions in Heart failure• Identified the protein receptor for the secreted ligand in heart failure using mass spectrometry and chemical biology methods. Show less

Thesis Lab: Jeffrey EskoProgram of Excellence of GlycosciencesProjects: Establishing a proteomics screen to identify cell surface sugar-binding proteins• Identified heparin binding proteins• Employed proteomics and protein modeling to identify and characterize sugar binding pockets• N-linked and O-linked glycan and glycosaminoglycan analysis of proteins and cells• Characterized binding of the cell surface protein CLEC14A to its sugar ligand heparin• Prion… Show more Thesis Lab: Jeffrey EskoProgram of Excellence of GlycosciencesProjects: Establishing a proteomics screen to identify cell surface sugar-binding proteins• Identified heparin binding proteins• Employed proteomics and protein modeling to identify and characterize sugar binding pockets• N-linked and O-linked glycan and glycosaminoglycan analysis of proteins and cells• Characterized binding of the cell surface protein CLEC14A to its sugar ligand heparin• Prion binding to heparan sulfate and tissue tropism.• Modeled and mapped binding of Chondroitin sulfate to the Malaria protein VAR2CSA using proteomic and computational methods.Developing proteomic workflow to identify protein-protein interaction• Created a proteomics workflow to identify protein binding partners• Utilized chemical biology and protein conjugation to characterize protein interactions• Investigated heparan sulfate dependent functions in vascular biology by generating of heparan sulfate binding deficient knockin mice using CRISPR• Characterized and validate multiple protein-protein interactions using biochemical/biophysical methods• Investigated endothelial focal adhesion formationWebsite: http://eskolab.ucsd.edu/index.shtmlPEG Training: http://pegnac.sdsc.edu/ucsdpeg/trainee-profiles/ Show less

Researched molecular processes of angiogenesis using in vitro culture systems and molecular techniques.

Identified bacteria in the human nostril using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and screened for antibiotic resistance in commensal bacteria.

Investigated the molecular basis of self versus non-self recognition in the bacterium Proteus mirabilis.

Studied the microbial composition in the gut of individuals infected with Clostridium difficile