معرفی
Wade Van Horn is an Assistant Professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University (ASU), and an investigator at the Biodesign Institute's Center for Personalized Diagnostics and the Magnetic Resonance Research Center. He joined ASU in 2012 following an American Heart Association postdoctoral fellowship at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. His research focuses on membrane proteins and their roles in human physiology and disease.
Education:
- Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of Utah (2007)
Research Interests:
Van Horn’s work centers on three main themes:
- TRP channel gating and modulation, particularly TRPM8’s role in cold sensation and therapeutic potential in diseases like chronic pain and diabetes.
- Membrane protein structural enzymology, including vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) and undecaprenol kinase (UDPK), targeting anticoagulants and antibiotics.
- Methods development for membrane protein structural biology, optimizing NMR techniques like reverse micelles.
Recent Research Trends:
Recent articles focus on TRPM8 dynamics and ligand binding, structural insights into VKOR and cold sensing mechanisms, and advancements in NMR methodologies for membrane protein analysis. His work bridges structural biology with therapeutic applications, emphasizing drug discovery and personalized medicine.
Grants & Awards:
- NIH Grant: PIRT Modulation of TRPM8 (2015–2020)
- NASA: Artificial TNA Polymer Research (2014–2017)
- DARPA: Synthetic Nucleic Acids (2014–2017)
Advising:
Van Horn mentors students such as:
- Julia (ACS Undergraduate Award)
- Nick Sisco (Graduate Excellence Fellow)
- Cole Helsell (AAAS Honorable Mention)
- Maryam (Summer Research Programs)
Labs & Affiliations:
His lab is part of the Biodesign Institute’s interdisciplinary environment, collaborating with institutions like Vanderbilt University and the University of South Florida. Research focuses on structural biology, biophysics, and translational medicine.
