Alexey S. Ladokhin, Ph.D.

Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

1979-1984: Shevchenko National University, Kiev, Ukraine, M.S., Physics.
1984-1989: Institute of Biochemistry, NANU, Kiev, Ukraine, Ph.D., Biophysics.
1990-1992: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, Postdoctoral Fellow.
1992-1994: The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, Postdoctoral Fellow.
1994-2004: University of California, Irvine, CA, Research Scientist
2004-2008: University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Assistant Professor
2008-present: University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Associate Professor

Publications: Click here

University of Kansas Medical Center
aladokhin@kumc.edu

Major Research Interest

I. Structure, Folding and Functioning of Membrane Proteins

Our first project focuses on deciphering the molecular mechanism of pH-dependent refolding and membrane insertion of the diphtheria toxin T-domain (DTT), which is considered to be a paradigm for cell entry of other bacterial toxins (e.g., tetanus and botulinum) and has a potential for targeted delivery of anti-cancer therapies. Understanding the pH-triggered insertion of DTT will also reveal general physicochemical principles underlying membrane protein assembly and signaling on membrane interfaces. Previously, we identified key intermediate states along the insertion pathway, established the concept of conformational switching for DTT action, and developed new methodologies for structural, kinetic and thermodynamic characterization of membrane protein refolding/insertion. Our plans include bringing together molecular dynamics simulations and sophisticated spectroscopic experiments in order to understand molecular mechanisms of DTT membrane insertion.

Other projects in the lab deal with structure-function relationships of ion-channel blockers, antimicrobial peptides and of the Bcl-2 family of proteins carrying out both pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic functions.

II. Ion Channels, Blockers

III. Antimicrobial Peptides

IV. Translocon-Assisted Membrane Insertion, Sorting

V. Biophysical Methods: Fluorescence Spectroscopy (FCS, FRET, lifetime spectroscopy);
Molecular Dynamics (MD) computer simulations

Ladokhin Lab Celebrations - 2013

Ladokhin Lab, November, 2012


Ladokin Lab 2008