Overview
We apply biophysical chemistry techniques to understand the function of partially disordered proteins and to define the features of protein-RNA interactions. We are primarily Nuclear Magnetic Renonance (NMR) spectroscopists, but also feel that understanding biological chemistry requires the application of diverse techniques. NMR studies of protein dynamics combined with computational and theoretical studies of the coupling between nuclear spin relaxation and molecular motion provide a complete picture of protein structure. Emphasis is placed on biophysical studies of macromolecular interactions involving partially disordered proteins and/or protein-RNA interactions in order to build the connection with function. We wish to understand the functional implications of protein dynamics and disorder in protein mediated signaling and other biological events. For details, please click the Research link to the left.
Recent News
Monique Bastidas Receives an NIH Predoctoral Fellowship
We are excited to announce that Monique Bastidas has been selected for a Ruth L. Kirschstein NRSA Fellowship to suppor her doctoral training. Monique's project aims to explain transcription factor organization on diabetes-relevant promoters through structural and biophysical methods.
NIH R01: Specificity of miRNA Processing Provided by Double-Stranded RNA Binding Domains
We are very pleased to announce that our RNA binding domain project has been funded by the NIH. For a first look at some of the research we are doing in this project, please see the research highlights of our recent DGCR8 and Drosha papers.
Seeking Graduate Students for Fall 2012
The Showalter laboratory is seeking highly motivated graduate students looking for interdisciplinary training in biophysical chemistry. If you are interested in our lab, please feel free to
E-mail Dr. Showalter for more information.
If you are interested in chemistry graduate studies at Penn State, please fill out our online application.
For more details on available projects and other considerations, please follow the Research or Positions Available links.
Chris Wostenberg Wins 2010 Paul Berg Prize
Chris Wostenberg has been selected to receive the 2010 Paul Berg Prize in Molecular Biology. This prize is awarded annually to an outstanding student in molecular biology who has completed his or her second or third year of graduate study. The exceptional achievements of Paul Berg in the field of molecular biology bestow considerable prestige to this prize, which was granted in recognition of Chris' achievements studying DGCR8 and Drosha.
NSF CAREER Award: Carbon-Detected NMR Methods for the Study of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins
We are very pleased to announce that Dr. Showalter has been granted an NSF CAREER award for our project involving carbon-detected NMR spectroscopy of intrinsically disordered proteins. For a first look at some of the research we are doing in this project, please see the research highlight outlining our 2009 Journal of Magnetic Resonance paper.
Seeking Undergraduate Students
Outstanding undergraduates at Penn State are always welcome in our laboratory. If you are looking for an undergraduate research position and the research we have introduced here sounds like a good fit for you, please E-mail Dr. Showalter for more information.