Rachel E. Klevit

Rachel E. Klevit is a Professor of Biochemistry and holds the Edmond H. Fischer/Washington Research Foundation Endowed Chair at the University of Washington. She also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Chemistry within the College of Arts & Sciences. With a B.S. from Reed College and a Ph.D. from Oxford University, her research focuses on molecular recognition and protein-protein interactions critical to human disease. Her work combines structural, biochemical, and biophysical techniques, emphasizing NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

Key research areas include BRCA1’s role in breast cancer, mechanisms of ubiquitination, small heat shock proteins (αB-crystallin, HSP27), and bacterial virulence factors like PhoQ. Her lab explores structural dynamics of proteins under stress and bacterial signaling pathways. Collaborations with microbiologists enhance understanding of pathogen-host interactions.

Recent publications highlight advancements in kinetochore mechanics, heat shock protein activation, and automated HDX-MS analysis. Her endowed chair underscores recognition of her contributions to biochemical research. Ongoing projects aim to uncover substrate specificity of BRCA1/BARD1 and structural insights into bacterial sensor kinases.

Laboratory activities are centered at the Health Sciences Building, with a focus on translational research bridging basic science and clinical applications. Her work integrates computational tools like HDXBoxeR for proteomic data analysis, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to modern biochemical inquiry.