David Akey

David Akey is a Lecturer III in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at the University of Michigan, affiliated with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. His research focuses on structural biology, biochemistry, and virology, with an emphasis on understanding mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and polyketide biosynthesis. Akey’s work combines crystallography, biochemistry, and biophysical approaches to study proteins such as flavivirus NS1, Helicobacter pylori VacA toxin, and polyketide synthase domains.

Key research areas include: 1) Structural basis of protein-membrane interactions in viral pathogens, 2) Elucidation of enzymatic mechanisms in polyketide biosynthesis pathways, and 3) Development of phasing strategies for challenging crystallographic datasets. His studies have provided critical insights into NS1’s role in dengue and Zika virus pathogenesis, as well as the oligomerization mechanisms of bacterial toxins like VacA.

Recent publications (2024–2014) reveal a strong focus on structural biology, with contributions to understanding enzyme catalysis in polyketide synthases and antibody-mediated inhibition of viral proteins. While no specific awards are listed, his work demonstrates sustained contributions to structural and molecular biology research.