Erik Yukl, professor of biochemistry at New Mexico State University, will spend three months this fall conducting research in Argentina as a Fulbright U.S. Scholar.
Yukl's research is focused on the movement of proteins. Understanding proteins is important not only for gaining a perception of a wide array of cellular functions but also toward developing drug therapies for many life-threatening diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
"Transition metals such as iron, copper, manganese and zinc serve essential functions in biology and are required for such fundamental processes as respiration, photosynthesis and DNA synthesis among others," Yukl explained. "My lab is interested in the mechanisms by which bacteria acquire these metals from the environment, and how certain metalloproteins are used as sensors of environmental conditions."
Under a five-year National Institutes of Health grant, Yukl and his team are working to find ways to use zinc transporter inhibitors to create new antibiotics to stop resistant bacteria.
"In my lab, we are studying the structures of bacterial zinc transporter proteins," said Yukl. "This helps us determine how they function, and how we can build molecules that will disrupt that function to treat bacterial infections. This is especially important as a number of bacteria have become resistant to all, or nearly all, currently available antibiotics."
During his research in Argentina, Yukl will work with Daiana Capdevila, principal investigator at the Leloir Institute in Buenos Aires, using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to further his research.
"NMSU was recently able to acquire similar instrumentation to what my collaborator has in Argentina, but I am not yet proficient in its use," Yukl said. "This experience will enable me to make full use of our instrument and to train others."
The Fulbright Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange program. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations and foundations around the world provide direct and indirect support to the program, which operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.
Fulbright Scholars engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started under the program.
"In addition to outstanding training opportunities within my field, I'll also have the opportunity to really experience another culture by living within it for several months," Yukl said. "This encourages mutual understanding and appreciation between people who would not otherwise be likely to interact."
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-professor-receives-fulbright-u.s.-scholar-award/s/1c5942ed-81f8-4eea-9f69-b41c28097f01
