Kober Lab

We seek to understand:

How does the lipid membrane of the ER influences protein turnover? To answer this question, we focus on the biochemical and biophysical activities of membrane-bound E3 ligases to understand how they respond to environmental stimuli, recognize substrates, and carry out their chemistry. 

How us protein folding and zymogen protease activation accomplished in the ER lumen? To answer this question, we are studying the structural and biochemical basis for the activation of a lipogenic protease in the secretory pathway by a chaperone protein.

Can we manipulate medically relevant protein-protein interactions in cells?

We will use any biochemical, biophysical, or cell-based method necessary to answer these questions!