معرفی
Eric Underbakke is an Associate Professor in the Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology at Iowa State University. His research focuses on understanding the dynamic architecture of scaffolded signaling complexes, particularly in the nervous system, using advanced techniques like hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and chemical tools. He investigates protein interactions, post-translational modifications, and their roles in neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s and autism spectrum disorders.
Education:
- B.S., Agricultural Biochemistry, Iowa State University, 2001
- Ph.D., Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 2008
- Post-doctoral fellowships at University of California, Berkeley, and The Scripps Research Institute (2009–2013)
Research Interests: The lab explores how protein complexes assemble and dynamically reorganize to regulate signaling pathways. Techniques include crosslinking mass spectrometry, artificial amino acids, and spectroscopic tags to map interaction surfaces and model higher-order architectures. Key targets are kinases, trafficking chaperones, nitric oxide signaling components, and scaffolding proteins.
Publications: Recent work highlights studies on neuronal nitric oxide synthase, Pyk2 tyrosine kinase, and soluble guanylate cyclase. Themes include conformational changes induced by post-translational modifications and the structural basis of enzyme activation.
Awards: No specific awards mentioned in the provided text.
Advising & Grants: The text does not list current grants or advisees. The Underbakke Lab focuses on training researchers in biochemical and biophysical methods.
Labs & Facilities: Located in the Molecular Biology Building at Iowa State, the lab collaborates with the Office of Biotechnology and utilizes cutting-edge facilities for mass spectrometry and structural biology.
