Robert Kirchdoerfer
Credentials: Biochemistry Department
Position title: Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy of viral proteins
Email: rnkirchdoerf@wisc.edu
Address:
205A Bock Laboratories
1525 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
LAB WEBSITE:
FOCUS GROUPS:
Membrane Biology & Protein Trafficking; Molecular & Genome Biology of Microbes; Virology
RESEARCH DESCRIPTION:
My research uses structural biology to examine coronavirus and coronavirus-host protein-protein interactions. In particular, I use single-particle cryo-electron microscopy to determine highresolution structures of viral proteins. My research is focused on viral entry by the viral spike protein which binds host receptors and facilitates the fusion of virus and host membranes during viral entry. I also study the assembly and activity of the coronavirus RNA synthesis complex, a multi-subunit complex responsible for RNA synthesis, RNA capping, mismatch repair and viral transcription. In addition to structural biology, these studies are complemented by examination of protein-protein interactions in vitro and ex vivo using techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry as well as cell-based reporter assays.
ALSO A TRAINER IN THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS: Integrated Program in Biochemistry (IPiB), Biophysics