Lynne Regan, PhD

Research interests of the Regan lab encompass protein structure, folding and design; protein-protein interactions and protein-RNA interactions. Our research is problem based, and we use whatever techniques are most appropriate as a particular project develops. Our research ranges from fundamental studies of protein stability to the design of novel protein-based nano-materials. Our interest in protein-protein interactions ranges from the design of proteins with novel binding activities and characterization of their properties using a range of techniques including fluorescence, circular dichroism, surface plasmon resonance, NMR and x-ray crystallography to the specific inhibition of protein-protein interactions in vivo as a route to a novel class of anti-breast cancer agents. Our interest in protein-RNA interactions is focused on structure and function of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). Fragile X Mental Retardation Syndrome is the most common cause of inherited mental retardation in humans, and is caused by lack of functional FMRP. Here our approaches range from structural studies of FMRP, to whole animal profiling of RNA and protein expression patterns in wild-type versus FMRP knock-out animals.