Our laboratory applies a diverse array of biophysical techniques to study protein-ligand interactions at structural, energetic and kinetic level in the context of key signaling circuitry pertinent to cell growth and differentiation, cell survival and motility, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and cancer.
Systems currently under study in the laboratory include:
(1) AP1 transcription factor
(2) BCL2 apoptotic repressor
(3) ERα nuclear receptor
(4) GRB2 adaptor
(5) MKP5 phosphatase
(6) SHC oncoprotein
Our work over the past few years has led to numerous publications in high-profile scientific journals. Two major highlights of our work are:
(1) Demonstration that the binding of Grb2 adaptor to its downstream partners Sos1 and Gab1 to generate the Sos1-Grb2-Gab1 ternary signaling complex is under tight allosteric regulation, implying that the full understanding of cellular signal transduction pathways may require full understanding of allosteric phenomena encompassing protein behavior
(2) Discovery that the binding of ERα and other nuclear receptors to DNA is coupled to proton uptake, implying that the nuclear receptors may act as pH sensors in orchestrating a multitude of physiological roles in health and cancer
The Farooq Laboratory champions the philosophy of clean-working habits, hi-tech approach to science and hypothesis-driven research with potential for breaking new ground. Predoctoral and postdoctoral researchers in the laboratory are closely mentored to ensure their optimal scientific productivity and completion of their training through a fast-track approach. Our laboratory strives to graduate predoctoral students within FIVE years of having joined the school and do so with at least THREE first-authored papers.
The long-term goals of the laboratory are to provide a highly stimulating and productive environment for conducting scientific research, to train and mentor scientists of tomorrow, and to apply the physicochemical principles emerging from our work to the rationale design of novel therapeutic approaches sporting greater efficacy coupled with less toxicity for the treatment of cancer.
PhD Scientistics:
PhDs produced (2004-date): 2
Years to graduation (mean): 4.25
First-authored papers (mean): 3.5
Co-authored papers (mean): 7
Laboratory Website:
www.farooqlab.net | 
