Richard Hite

Richard Hite, PhD, is a Professor and Principal Investigator in the Structural Biology Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC). He earned his PhD from Harvard University in 2010 and a BS from Emory University in 2003. His research focuses on the structural and functional mechanisms of ion channels and membrane proteins, particularly in cancer and neuroscience contexts. The Hite Lab employs advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and electrophysiology to study lysosomal ion channels (e.g., TMEM175 and FLVCR1), DNA replication dynamics, and calcium signaling via IP3 receptors. Key contributions include identifying inhibitors for Parkinson’s disease-linked TMEM175 and elucidating choline transport mechanisms critical for phospholipid synthesis. Hite holds prestigious awards such as the Pershing Square Sohn Prize and Searle Scholar recognition. His lab has produced high-impact publications in Nature, Science, and Nature Communications, advancing understanding of membrane biology and disease mechanisms.

Education:

• PhD, 2010, Harvard University
• BS, 2003, Emory University

Research Interests:

Dr. Hite’s work integrates structural biology with cellular and biochemical approaches to address fundamental questions in membrane protein function. Current projects explore the molecular basis of ion channel regulation, lysosomal physiology, and the structural determinants of disease-associated mutations. His lab’s findings have implications for therapies targeting cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.

Grants & Collaborations:

Hite collaborates with institutions like Weill Cornell Graduate School and the Tri-Institutional Program. His funding includes grants from the NIH and foundation awards. His lab actively recruits postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.

Lab Members:

The lab includes graduate students, research associates, and fellows working on projects ranging from cryo-EM structure determination to functional assays of ion channels. Notable students include Benjamin Allwein, Viktor Belay, and Yeeun Son.