From the Bench to Molecule of the Month

10/15 

Galyna Khramova (University of Florida) spent most of her summer at Rutgers thinking about Controlling the activity profile of a multifunctional enzyme: site-directed mutagenesis of mouse DXO in a project split between RCSB PDB and the Kiledjian Lab in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience. Her time spent with the RCSB PDB team also led to a collaboration with David Goodsell on this month’s Molecule of the Month.

The series presents short accounts on selected molecules from the Protein Data Bank. Each installment includes an introduction to the structure and function of the molecule, a discussion of the relevance of the molecule to human health and welfare, and suggestions for how visitors might view these structures and access further details.

In addition to this column, Galyna also created JSMol views for Molecule of the Month features on amylase, pepsin, and potassium channels.

Galyna was part of the Rutgers University RISE (Research in Science and Engineering) program. RISE at Rutgers is a nationally acclaimed summer research program for outstanding undergraduates from diverse backgrounds. Scholars participate in 10 weeks of cutting-edge research in the biological, physical, and social/ behavioral sciences, math, engineering, and exciting interdisciplinary areas under the guidance of carefully matched faculty mentors. A comprehensive professional development component complements the research.

Biocurator Luigi Di Costanzo, RISE Scholars Jitendra Singh and Galyna Khramova, and Biocurator Brian Hudson

Interested in interning with the RCSB PDB? RISE applications will open on November 1, 2019. The program particularly encourages applications from students from underrepresented, disadvantaged, non-traditional or first-generation college backgrounds or who attend schools with limited research opportunities.