
Center for Protein Engineering and Therapeutics
Department of Pharmacological Sciences
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Welcome to our laboratory!
We are a team of passionate scientists, committed to pushing the boundaries of biomedical sciences. Our aim is to develop proteomic techniques that will revolutionize the way we discover, create and engineer biomolecules with therapeutic potentials. Our research is not only about gaining an understanding of the fundamental principles, but also about making a tangible and meaningful impact on the world. We are thrilled to take on these challenges and eagerly anticipate the breakthroughs and innovations that we will accomplish together.
Research
Our lab is captivated by the boundless potential of nanobodies, and we have developed powerful proteomic technologies to deconstruct the diverse array of serum-circulating nanobodies. By using this approach, we can uncover thousands of highly specific and multiepitope nanobodies, often with unprecedented affinity, that can be harnessed for drug development. For instance, we have recently generated a vast repertoire of broad-spectrum ultrapotent nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 and other SARS-like viruses, which can be used to fight against the current pandemics and future outbreaks. By collaborating with structural biologists and modellers, we are investigating the structural basis of ultrahigh-affinity nanobody binding to disease targets.
Another emerging area of active research in our lab is the development of hybrid techniques, including the use of artificial intelligence, to facilitate protein design. This allows us to improve the efficiency and precision of our research, leading to new discoveries and innovations in the field.
Furthermore, we are constantly seeking new ways to identify novel targets for challenging diseases, with the ultimate goal of developing future pharmacological interventions, and making real-world impact.