معرفی
Jawdat Al-Bassam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis, within the College of Biological Sciences. His research integrates biochemistry, structural biology, and advanced imaging to investigate the molecular mechanisms of microtubule dynamics and associated motor proteins.
Education:
- B.S. in Biochemistry, California State University, Long Beach (1998)
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biophysics, Scripps Research Institute (2004)
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School (2011)
His research focuses on the structural and functional regulation of microtubule assembly and disassembly, particularly through molecular machines such as tubulin cofactors and kinesin motors. He employs cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), X-ray crystallography, and single-molecule total internal reflection microscopy to bridge atomic-scale structures with micron-scale cellular functions. His work elucidates how conserved protein complexes regulate cell division and development.
The recent articles highlight a strong trend in structural mechanisms of microtubule regulators, including tubulin biogenesis complexes, kinesin autoinhibition, and plant augmin architecture. These studies span eukaryotic systems and emphasize conserved molecular designs across species. The use of high-resolution structural techniques dominates his publication record, reflecting a deep commitment to mechanistic understanding.
Scientific Awards:
- No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Advising and Grants:
Dr. Al-Bassam is affiliated with the Biochemistry, Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Group and the Biophysics Graduate Group, indicating active mentoring of graduate students. While specific students and grants are not listed, his lab's continuous publication output and advanced research infrastructure suggest sustained funding and trainee involvement.
Labs and Teams:
He leads the Al-Bassam Laboratory at UC Davis, which focuses on reconstituting and visualizing molecular machines involved in microtubule dynamics. The lab collaborates widely, as seen in multi-author publications, and utilizes cutting-edge facilities such as the campus cryo-EM infrastructure.
