The Gao Laboratory @ BCM Neuroscience
Decoding protein interactions in the brain
📌 Research Areas
Like communities, individual proteins carry out complex biological functions by engaging each other in interactions and networks. Conversely, the dysregulation of these interactions often contributes to phenotypes seen in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions.
We utilize multi-omic target identification and high-throughput phenotyping strategies to uncover new mechanisms of protein-protein interaction (PPI) in brain disorders. We further seek to develop innovative approaches to alleviate phenotypes through modulating experimentally evidenced functional interactions.
DYNAMIC SIGNALING AND PLASTICITY AT THE AIS
We are particularly interested in a critical region of the neuron, called the axon initial segment (AIS), which governs the neuron's ability to generate action potentials and maintain polarity.
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The AIS is highly dynamic and is often considered a "hotspot" for plasticity and post-translational modifications. My lab is dedicated to better understanding how these processes are regulated through various forms of PPIs in physiology and pathology.
MAPPING, MODELING, VALIDATING, AND MODULATING PPIs
To study these dynamic PPIs and signaling events, we need innovative tools.
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Combining genome editing and proximity proteomics, we use a streamlined workflow to accurately and scalably discover new proximity PPIs. We also use computational tools and protein engineering techniques to predict, model, and modulate functional PPIs related to brain disorders.