Jue Chen is interested in the membrane proteins that pump molecules in or out of cellular structures. Chen is particularly interested in ABC transporters, a class of membrane transporters powered by ATP. Chen and her team investigate the structure and role of these proteins in normal cellular processes and in diseases, such as antigen presentation, cystic fibrosis, and multidrug resistance in chemotherapy. The team uses a range of approaches, from X-ray crystallography, to electron cryo-microscopy, to single molecule FRET. Their aim is to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying disease-related transporters, with an eye toward developing improved therapies.
A mutated protein causes the genetic disease cystic fibrosis. Now, researchers have solved the structure of the protein and how certain drugs bind to it, unveiling their mode of action.