Emily Branham

Joined Dr. Daniel DiMaio’s lab at Yale University as a Chemistry Ph.D. candidate. Thesis work will focus on engineering small, artificial transmembrane proteins (traptamers) to facilitate the degradation of disease-relevant, endogenous transmembrane proteins. Similar to PROTAC technology, a traptamer transmembrane protein-targeting motif will be linked to an E3 ubiquitin ligase recruiting moiety through genetic engineering. We anticipate use of this targeting and recruitment molecule will lead to ubiquitination of the transmembrane protein of interest (such as the PDGFβ receptor or Epo receptor, which the DiMaio lab has studied at length) and lead to its degradation through the proteasomal pathway. This technology can be applied to the study of HPV as a way to identify new candidate proteins involved in viral infection. Committee: Daniel C. DiMaio, Craig M. Crews, Sarah A. Slavoff, Jason M. Crawford.

Joined Dr. David Spiegel’s lab at Yale University as a Ph.D. student. Broad project aims include harnessing the function of the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) for targeted hepatocytic degradation of specific circulating proteins. My branch of this research project focuses on synthetically engineering of monoclonal antibodies toward improved removal of circulating proteins, characterization of synthesized conjugates, evaluation of effectiveness of conjugates in vitro (mammalian cell culture), and other biological testing with the goal of improved therapeutic applications. This project necessitates the use of biochemical, organic, and biological techniques and is preformed independently. Committee: David A. Spiegel, James E. Rothman, Jason M. Crawford. Thesis proposal: Engineering monoclonal antibodies to induce asialoglycoprotein receptor-mediated protein degradation. Gave an oral presentation, submitted a written research proposal, successfully defended thesis proposal, and advanced to candidacy. New Haven, Connecticut, United States, May 2, 2019. Yale University.

Dr. Michael Crimmins’ lab