Overview
Dr. Fitzgerald’s research group is focused on studies of protein folding and function. The group utilizes a combination of covalent labeling strategies (e.g. protein amide H/D exchange and methionine oxidiation) and mass spectrometry techniques to investigate the thermodynamic properties of protein folding and ligand binding reactions. Current research efforts involve: (1) the development new biophysical methods that enable protein folding and stability measurements to be performed on the proteomic scale; and (2) the application of these new methods in the areas of disease detection, diagnosis, and therapy.
Current Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Chemistry
·
2011 - Present
Chemistry,
Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
Professor of Biochemistry
·
2011 - Present
Biochemistry,
Basic Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute
·
2024 - Present
Duke Cancer Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Scholarly Works
Development of domain-specific probes of Plasmodium falciparum heat shock protein 70-1.
Journal article Antimicrob Agents Chemother · August 5, 2026 In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the essential chaperone PfHsp70-1 regulates proteostasis through protein folding, but its domain-specific functions remain poorly defined. The protein contains an N-terminal nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) and ... Full text Link to item CiteStability-Based Proteomic Methods Add Value to Activity-Based Protein Profiling Studies.
Journal article ACS Chem Biol · July 17, 2026 Covalent inhibitors offer powerful therapeutic advantages over noncovalent inhibitors, but like noncovalent inhibitors, they require comprehensive profiling to define their on- and off-target activities. Here, we report on the use of two stability-based pr ... Full text Link to item CiteSynthesis and preliminary evaluation of novel compounds that demonstrate broad host-directed anti-leishmanial activity.
Journal article PLoS neglected tropical diseases · July 2026 Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting nearly 10% of the global population, suffers from limited therapeutic options and rising drug resistance. To address this, we developed 343 analogs of AR-12, a compound that has previously illustrated h ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Pharmacological Sciences Training Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030Chemical Biology Strategies to Resolve Plasmodium Heat Shock Protein Function
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2023 - 2028Noncovalent interaction of mutant KRAS inhibitors
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2025 - 2027View All Grants
Education
University of Wisconsin, Madison ·
1994
Ph.D.
Davidson College ·
1989
B.S.