John A. Tainer
Visiting Faculty
Professor, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Biography
Education & Training
PhD, Duke University, 1982
Research Interests
We focus on structural biology methods and applications for analysis and design projects that concern fundamental questions of molecular cell biology and biochemistry relevant to biological mechanisms and human disease.
DNA damage responses provide master keys to unlock oncogenic synthetic lethality and activate innate immunity for cancer biology and medicine going forward. Our research focuses on applying structural biochemistry and biophysics to molecular and cellular oncology and cancer biology for predictive molecular mechanisms and innovative strategies that target DNA damage responses in cancer. By solving and building upon >350 macromolecular structures, our group is developing and applying methods for integrating X-ray and cryo-EM data to build quantitative and foundational knowledge resulting in publications and patents aimed at advanced patient care.
Programs & Initiatives
Recent Publications
Related News
Time-Resolved SAXS Screen of Small-molecule Drug Candidates
A team of researchers developed a high-throughput drug-discovery workflow leveraging time-resolved small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) capabilities at the Advanced Light Source’s (ALS) Structurally Integrated Biology for the Life Sciences (SIBYLS) beamline to identify small molecules capable of activating biomolecular dynamics associated with a desired therapeutic outcome.
Enigmatic Protein Sculpts DNA to Repair Damage
Biosciences Area researchers and their collaborators have determined how a protein called XPG binds to and reshapes damaged DNA, illuminating its role in averting genetic disease and cancer.
Programming Proteins to Pair Perfectly
Bioscientists at the Advanced Light Source (ALS) at Berkeley Lab lent their expertise to a project led by scientists at the University of Washington to design proteins in the lab that zip together like DNA. The technique could enable the design of protein nanomachines to help diagnose and treat disease, allow for more precise engineering of cells, and perform a variety of other tasks.
