Gaudet Lab
Principal Investigator: Rachelle Gaudet
Institution: Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
Primary Subfield: Molecular & Cell Bio
Recruitment Status: Inquire for rotation/fellowship opportunities
Research Focus
PROJECT SUMMARY Membrane proteins represent over half of drug targets due to their accessibility and diverse roles in mediating interactions with and responses to the environment. My research program focuses on uncovering the molecular mechanisms and selectivity determinants of membrane proteins that mediate critical cellular processes such as transport, signaling, and specialized metabolic pathway regulation. To achieve this, we combine experimental techniques like X-ray crystallography and single-particle cryogenic electron microscopy with functional assays, both in vitro and in cells. We also use computational approaches, such as all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate protein dynamics and bioinformatic analyses to investigate the evolution of protein families. Recently, we have expanded from structure-guided protein engineering to large-scale mutational screens, providing comprehensive datasets that enhance our understanding of structure-function relationships. Over the next five years our research will focus on the following three bacterial membrane protein systems—all of which contain common transporter folds that have evolved to perform diverse specialized fun…
Active NIH Awards
- 1R35GM161633-01: Molecular basis and selectivity of signaling and transport across lipid membranes (2026)
- 5R01GM120996-08: Mechanism of Divalent Metal Transport by Nramp-Family Transporters (2024)
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