Research Interests

With the sequencing of the human genome, advances in biological research have grown exponentially.  The use of genetic knockouts, RNA interference, and site-directed mutagenesis to understand the roles of genes and gene products is now becoming commonplace. Fundamentally these methods perturb protein expression at the genetic or transcriptional level. Although these new tools have significantly advanced our understanding of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, many intractable questions still remain. Through the use of chemical genetics, biologically active compounds are now being used as another means to address difficult biological questions. A powerful example of Chemical Genetics is the use of biologically active natural products for elucidating protein function.