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Emily Linton

Campbell University


Erkan Karakas lab

My project's focus is determining the structure of the VAPB-PTPIP51 complex, which tethers the mitochondria and the ER at contact sites and helps to coordinate calcium ion flow from the ER to the mitochondria.  I will be looking at how a mutation in VAPB, which is associated with ALS and frontotemporal dementia, affects the structure and function of the complex.  I will use X-Ray crystallography and Cryo-EM.