Biochemistry and Function of the Nedd4 Family of Ubiquitin Ligases
Research Synopsis
My laboratory has been studying the ubiquitin system, particularly the Nedd4 family of E3 ubiquitin ligases. We are studying the biochemistry, structure and function of these E3 ligases, as well as their physiological functions, using cells and model organisms. Moreover, we have developed proteomic methodologies to globally identify substrates for E3 ubiquitin ligases and have subsequently focused our studies on some of the membrane proteins that were identified in these screens (eg the sodium channel ENaC, the FGF receptor, and several others). We also carried out interactome screens (miniTurbo/BioID) in cells and are analyzing some of the substrates identified. More recently, we have been studying pathogenic variants (mutations) in Nedd4 family members associated with human diseases, such as hypertension, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, cancer, and others, to decipher how such mutations may cause or contribute to these diseases.