Prof. Monika Raj
Title: Chemical Tools for Biological Discoveries
Abstract:
In the Raj Lab, we are focused on developing novel chemical probes and sensors aimed at targeting the undruggable proteome, along with enabling the selective detection of post-translational modifications (PTMs) and biological metabolites. Our research drives the discovery of new protein biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and affordable diagnostic tools for the early detection of cancer. By identifying endogenous protein partners, we also facilitate the synthesis of biotherapeutics. In the first part of my talk, I will highlight our efforts to develop advanced bioconjugation techniques for the selective labeling of key amino acids such as lysine, methionine, asparagine, and glutamine, as well as PTMs like mono-methyl lysine, di-methyl lysine, and monomethyl-histidine.1-5 These new labeling strategies address current gaps in the techniques available for sequencing and identifying proteins and PTMs, enabling single-molecule and single-cell analysis with high sensitivity and accuracy. In the second part of the talk, I will discuss our work on Protein Restoration Technology (PRT), which aims to restore the function of mutated tumor suppressor proteins. This technology provides a novel therapeutic approach for targeting aberrant proteins, offering new opportunities to develop treatments for cancer and other diseases. Through PRT, we can revive the functions of tumor suppressors lost due to mutations, ultimately paving the way for new therapies that target undruggable proteins and restore normal cellular functions.
Bio:
Dr. Raj grew up in Chandigarh, India, and obtained her Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. After receiving her Ph.D., Prof. Raj was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Pennsylvania and then at New York University. She joined Seton Hall as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry in 2014 and moved to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Auburn University in 2017 before moving to Emory in 2020. As of 2023, she is a full professor in the Emory University Department of Chemistry.
Dr. Raj’s research takes place at the interface between the fields of organic synthesis, bioorganic chemistry, and catalysis. Her lab is interested in utilizing organic chemistry tools to solve problems in the field of biology. The Raj lab’s focus is geared towards the development of new chemical reactions, catalysis, and ligation methodologies for the synthesis of chemical probes for studying biological molecules and systems.
She was named a 2023 Kavli Fellow from the National Academy of Sciences and received the 2019 NIH MIRA Award, the Early Career Lectureship from APS, and the NSF Career Award, among other honors such as Sloan Research Fellow, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation (2020); Early Career Lectureship, Japan Peptide Society (JPS) (2019); Early Career Lectureship, American Peptide Society (APS) (2019); Rising Star Award, Chemical Protein Synthesis (CPS) (German Science Foundation) (2019); University Research Council Grant (SHU) (2017); CDI grant from University Assessment Center (Teaching Award) (SHU) (2017); Researcher of the Year Award (SHU) (2016); University Research Council Grant (SHU) (2015); and Eli Lilly Asia Outstanding Thesis Award, First Prize in Asia (2009).
In 2019, Dr. Raj was awarded the James E. Land professor, and she is a council member of the American Peptide Society (2021-2027). She is the current Chair of APS Early Career Research Award (2022) and an Associate Editor of SynLett (2023).
(Credit: https://raj.emorychem.science/people/)
Keywords: Protein modifications, Posttranslational modifications, chemical probes, degrons
Host: Prof. Eszter Boros