The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

Dr Jacqui Gulbis

Details

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Division: Structural Biology

Research Overview

Controlling the passage of molecules across cell membranes is essential for segregation of intracellular processes and a critical requirement for intercellular signalling. Using structural biology methodologies, we are investigating macromolecular systems that facilitate transfer of molecules across otherwise impervious lipid bilayers. Principles derived from the systems we are studying will have broad cellular applicability. Our two primary interests are potassium channel action and post-synthetic protein translocation to the mitochondria. Potassium channels facilitate a regulated flow of K+ ions across cell membranes, and are responsible for electrical transmission within the human body. Mitochondrial protein translocases coordinate a complex chain of events to import newly synthesised proteins from cytoplasmic ribosomes across a dual membrane into mitochondria. Long-term research interests of the lab extend to the juxtaposition and interaction of mitochondrial membrane systems during major orchestrated events such as cell division and apoptosis. To this end, we are also collaborating with the Kluck lab (Molecular Genetics of Cancer) to characterise the membrane topology and role of activated mitochondrial apoptotic regulators.

Research Projects

K+ channel gating: structural changes defining the closed-to-open transition

Mitochondrial Carrier Import

Major Publications

1. Kuo A, Gulbis JM, Antcliff JF, Rahman T, Lowe ED, Zimmer J, Cuthbertson J, Ashcroft FM, Ezaki T, Doyle DA.
   Crystal structure of the potassium channel KirBac1.1 in the closed state.
   Science. 2003 Jun 20;300(5627):1922-6 PMID: 12738871 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
2. Webb CT, Gorman MA, Lazarou M, Ryan MT, Gulbis JM.
   Crystal structure of the mitochondrial chaperone TIM9.10 reveals a six-bladed alpha-propeller.
   Mol Cell. 2006 Jan 6;21(1):123-33 PMID: 16387659 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
3. Gulbis JM, Doyle DA.
   Potassium channel structures: do they conform?
   Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2004 Aug;14(4):440-6 PMID: 15313238 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Click here to view more PubMed publications

Current Laboratory Members

Faculty Member: Jacqueline Gulbis, BSc(Hons) PhD LaT

Research Assistant: Pauline Crewther, BSc(Hons) MSc Melb

Postgraduate Student: Oliver Clarke, BSc(Hons) Melb

Undergraduate Student: Alessandro Caputo, BSc Melb

UROP Student: Benjamin Russell

Summer Student James Blake BSc(Hons) Glasgow