PI: Dr. Jihong Bai
Location: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
Website: http://research.fhcrc.org/bai/en.html

Molecular engineering for synaptic biology

Our work with the Institute for Protein Design (IPD) would be to engineer proteins for monitoring and modulating synaptic activity in neurons. Our interests are the following: 1) design proteins to alter membrane morphology; 2) engineer molecules to modulate endocytosis; and 3) design protein sensors to monitor the release of signaling molecules at synapses. We anticipate that collaboration with the IPD will lead to novel strategies for tuning the strength of neuronal communication and brain activity.