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معرفی
John Orban is a Professor at the University of Maryland specializing in protein structural biology and design. His research focuses on conformational dynamics, metamorphic proteins, and intrinsically disordered proteins with applications in cancer biology and immunology.
Dr. Orban received his education from prestigious institutions:
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Adelaide, Australia (1981)
- Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Australian National University (1985)
- CSIRO Postdoctoral Fellow in Biochemistry & Biophysics at McMaster University (1985-1987)
- Postdoctoral Fellow in Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy at the University of Washington (1987-1990)
His research centers on protein structural plasticity, investigating how proteins switch between folds through mutational paths or environmental triggers. Key areas include:
- Protein Switches: Characterizing designed systems that reversibly switch between common protein folds
- Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: Studying PAGE4's role in prostate cancer through phosphorylation-dependent conformational changes
- Allosteric Signaling: Deciphering long-range communication in T cell receptor complexes
Recent publications (2016-2025) reveal consistent focus on metamorphic proteins, IDPs in cancer, and TCR allostery, demonstrating interdisciplinary work spanning structural biology, virology, and oncology.
As leader of the Orban Group, he mentors researchers using NMR spectroscopy and SAXS to study protein dynamics. His laboratory receives funding for fundamental research with translational implications in disease mechanisms.
The Orban Group employs high-field NMR, SAXS, and biochemical methods to analyze conformational ensembles. Collaborative work bridges computational modeling and experimental biophysics to address protein folding, signaling, and therapeutic targeting.
