I'm currently working as a MARC undergraduate research assistant in the Huxford Biochemistry Lab, led by Dr. Tom Huxford. The major focus of the lab is understanding regulation in the NF-KB signal transduction pathway. Proper functioning of this transcription factor is crucial for cellular survival. NF-KB is responsible for activating inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 which respond to infections or tissue injuries, activating immune responses from both innate and adaptive immune system, and inhibiting apoptosis (programmed cell death). However, this transcription factor has the potential to become overactive which may lead to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation stemming from deregulation of NF-KB pathway is associated with multiple diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, type 1 diabetes, and tumor formation. Approaches used to investigate this transcription factor include X-Ray crystallography, electron microscopy, protein purification techniques, and electrophoresis. To understand more about these processes and the different types of regulation of this pathway, we can use our knowledge of chemical bonding and protein structure to infer what mechanisms are leading to these outcomes. 

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