معرفی
Dr. Thomas C. Boothby is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular Biology at the University of Wyoming. His research focuses on understanding how organisms survive extreme environmental conditions, particularly desiccation tolerance in tardigrades, bacteria, and yeast. By integrating 'omics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and material science, his lab explores functional mediators of stress resistance and their translational applications in biomedical and agricultural fields.
Key research areas include the role of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), sugars, and other biomolecules in desiccation tolerance. The lab also investigates mechanisms of anhydrobiosis, radiation tolerance, and material properties of sugar glasses. Recent work emphasizes practical applications like stabilizing fragile biologics and engineering stress-resistant crops.
Major findings include identifying functional synergies between IDPs and environmental factors, elucidating helicity effects on protein protection, and developing methods to optimize vitrification in dried systems. Collaborative efforts, such as the NSF-funded IntBIO: Functional Synergy Between Disordered Proteins and Their Environment, highlight interdisciplinary approaches to solving biological challenges.
Dr. Boothby’s lab is located at the University of Wyoming, and contact information includes tboothby@uwyo.edu and the departmental address (1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071). Detailed research is available via their lab website.
