Eunyong Park

Eunyong Park is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms of membrane proteins involved in ion/molecule transport and protein translocation across lipid bilayers. She employs structural biology techniques including cryo-electron microscopy to study complexes like the Sec translocon and mitochondrial TOM channel.

Research interests emphasize protein translocation pathways in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria, including substrate recognition, directional transport mechanisms, and quality control processes. Key projects involve elucidating the structural basis of polypeptide transport and ATP-dependent helix dislocation mechanisms. Recent work has revealed novel insights into ER-associated degradation pathways and Sec complex regulation.

Publications highlight groundbreaking cryo-EM structures of protein translocation machinery, including the Sec61 complex and mitochondrial TOM channel. These studies provide mechanistic frameworks for understanding membrane protein functions in health and disease.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Park Lab at UC Berkeley, focused on structural and mechanistic studies of membrane protein complexes. Collaborates with institutions globally on cryo-EM and biochemistry projects.