KATLab

Identifying novel enzymes through functional screens and proteomics

We use activity based probes and proteomics to identify ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like enzymes across different developmental stages. We use biochemical and structural biology approaches to characterise activity and specificity.

Unraveling the role of post-translational modifications in parasite cell biology

We use parasite transgenics to disrupt and tag novel enzymes. Identifying new proteins and functionally characterising them. We aim to understand how these enzymes are used by the parasites and how ubiquitin and other post-translational modifiers regulate pathways critical to development and survival of these pathogens.

Discovery of novel therapeutics

Many of the pathways and enzymes we study are essential for parasite survival. We use a variety of methods to develop inhibitors including biophysical approaches, small molecule screens and peptide discovery. We aim is to interfere with parasite development and identify new classes of therapeutics to combat parasitic diseases and offset the ever-increasing threat of drug resistance.