People

Michael Woodside, Principal Investigator
Professor, Department of Physics
Member, Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology
Member, Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Diseases
michael.woodside[AT]ualberta.ca

 

Krishna Neupane, Research Associate
kneupane[AT]ualberta.ca

I am interested in structure formation and dynamics of biomolecules. Some projects include: misfolding of the protein superoxide dismutase, associated with ALS disease; dynamics of eukaryotic ribosome during programmed frameshifting at stimulatory RNA structures (e.g. a pseudoknot), associated with many viral infections such as HIV; and dynamics of folding at the level of transition paths.

 

Chunhua Dong, Research Associate
chunhua[AT]ualberta.ca

My research interests include quantitative characterization with scanning probe microscopies for the study at nanoscale of nanomaterials and nanosystems: magnetic properties for bio-applications, as well as the study of oligomer formation and mechanism during the progression of Parkinson’s Disease.

 

Craig Garen, Technician
cgaren[AT]ualberta.ca

My research includes using molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques to aid in the biophysical characterization of protein misfolding and aggregation in neurodegenerative disorders. This includes human superoxide dismutase (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and prion protein (spongiform encephalopathies).

Aaron Lyons, Postdoc
alyons[AT]ualberta.ca

My research focuses on the statistical characterization and analysis of single-molecule force spectroscopy data.

 

Rohith Vedhthaanth Sekar, Postdoc
rohithve[AT]ualberta.ca

Glycosylation is a post translational modification to the prion protein. I am interested in investigating the effects of glycosylation in the prion folding/misfolding using both computational (molecular dynamics) and experimental techniques.

 

Daniiar Zhaguparov, Graduate Student
zhagupar[AT]ualberta.ca

The class of viral RNAs that are extremely resistant to digestion by host cell’s ribonucleases due to their unique 3D topology is called exoribonuclease-resistant RNAs or xrRNAs. It was reported in our lab that xrRNA’s resistance to enzymatic degradation is strongly tied to the extreme mechanical rigidity of its structure. I study the necessary contacts in xrRNAs’ structures that provide such mechanical stability and kinetics of enzyme-xrRNA interaction. The understanding of the mechanisms during enzymatic digestion in xrRNAs will uncover new potential ways for antiviral therapeutics.

 

Souroush Khalilzadehsabet, Research Assistant
souroush[AT]ualberta.ca

Misfolding of SOD1 protein is associated with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease. My research involves studying the misfolding of this protein and it’s prion-like conversion. The propagation of misfolded structures can lead to the formation of toxic aggregates, which are believed to be a key pathological agent responsible for the death of motor neurons in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs).

 

Ishaq Lee Son, Graduate Student
ishaq[AT]ualberta.ca

I use machine learning and computational techniques to study the physics interactions between small-molecules and broad spectrum coronavirus RNA. I look to find novel drug candidates which inhibit pseudoknot-stimulated −1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting. In my free time I love backcountry skiing and hiking.

 

Matthew Newton, Graduate Student
mrnewton[AT]ualberta.ca

 

Maria Bryden, Graduate Student
mbryden[AT]ualberta.ca