Research

Cells must maintain robust production of active, properly folded proteins to carry out their many functions. My research is focused on how cells are able to identify/respond when they have a protein quality control problem. I am investigating a non-canonical HSP70 chaperone interaction with the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor protein IRE1. Using a combined biochemistry and structure (cryo-EM) approach, I will elucidate how the ER HSP70, BiP, regulates either the ability of IRE1 to alert the cell of unfolded protein stress or the process of turning off IRE1 stress signal once the problem has been resolved.

Twitter: @MmendezMoran

Publications