X-Ray Crystallography

We are using x-ray crystallography to understand the structure of Calpain-5 (CAPN5), a calcium-activated regulatory cysteine protease that is expressed throughout the central nervous system and retina. Mutations in the catalytic core of CAPN5 make it hyperactive and cause Autosomal Dominant Neovascular Inflammatory Vitreoretinopathy (ADNIV; OMIM#193235), a severe, blinding eye disease. Currently, there is no high resolution structure of CAPN5 and its mechanisms of activation and regulation are poorly understood. In collaboration with the MSKC and SLAC National Lab, we are optmizing crystallization conditions in pursuit of a high-resolution structure.