Overview
We develop and apply mass spectrometry techniques to address biochemical and biomedical questions that are lipid-related. Research projects include:
1) Structural lipidomics
o Develop and apply high resolution tandem mass spectrometry-based lipidomics for the discovery, structural elucidation and functional study of novel lipids.
2) Elucidation of novel pathways/enzymes of lipid biosynthesis and metabolism
o Genetic, biochemical and MS approaches are employed to identify the substrates and pathways involved in lipid biosynthesis and metabolism
3) Identification of lipid biomarkers of genetic diseases and cancers
o Provide molecular insights into the disease mechanisms, as well as to serve as the diagnostic and prognostic tools of diseases.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Recent Publications
TamL is a Key Player of the Outer Membrane Homeostasis in Bacteroidota.
Journal Article J Mol Biol · May 15, 2025 In Proteobacteria, the outer membrane protein TamA and the inner membrane-anchored protein TamB form the Translocation and Assembly Module (TAM) complex, which facilitates the transport of autotransporters, virulence factors, and likely lipids across the t ... Full text Link to item CiteMolecular basis of neurosteroid and anticonvulsant regulation of TRPM3.
Journal Article Nat Struct Mol Biol · May 2025 Transient receptor potential channel subfamily M member 3 (TRPM3) is a Ca2+-permeable cation channel activated by the neurosteroid pregnenolone sulfate (PregS) or heat, serving as a nociceptor in the peripheral sensory system. Recent discoveries of autosom ... Full text Link to item CiteStructure and inhibition mechanisms of Mycobacterium tuberculosis essential transporter efflux protein A.
Journal Article Nat Commun · April 1, 2025 A broad chemical genetic screen in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) identified compounds (BRD-8000.3 and BRD-9327) that inhibit the essential efflux pump EfpA. To understand the mechanisms of inhibition, we determined the structures of EfpA with these inhi ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Calcineurin Control over Aspergillus fumigatus Antifungal Response Mechanisms
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Arkansas Children's Research Institute · 2024 - 2029Catalysis and inhibition of chitin synthesis from pathogenic fungi
ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2022 - 2027Roles of novel cationic lipids in bacterial pathogenesis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by The University of Texas at Dallas · 2023 - 2026View All Grants