Brian E. Wadzinski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology
Research Description
The reversible phosphorylation of proteins, catalyzed by the opposing actions of protein kinases and protein phosphatases, is an essential process governing cellular homeostasis. Dr. Wadzinski’s research program largely focuses on protein serine/threonine phosphatases (PPs), especially the PP2A family. This holoenzyme family has been implicated in many facets of cellular function including regulation of cell-surface receptors, metabolic enzymes, cytosolic protein kinases, and transcription factors. Regulation of the PP2A catalytic subunit occurs via regulatory subunits, associated proteins, and post-translational modifications. Dr. Wadzinski’s team uses multiple biochemical, immunological, and molecular biology techniques to determine the structure, function, cellular localization, and regulation of PP2A enzymes. Of particular interest to Dr. Wadzinski’s group is the study of Jordan’s Syndrome, which is characterized by de novo mutations in the PP2A PPP2R5D regulatory subunit. Dr. Wadzinski co-founded a small biotechnology company (Turkey Creek Biotechnology, LLC) that has partnered with Vanderbilt University to develop alpaca-derived antibodies and nanobodies, which have been invaluable to the study of PP2A and Jordan’s Syndrome, as well as other pathological conditions.
* * *