CurePSP Ask the Scientist: July 10, 2020

Dr. Joachimiak received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington where he worked with Dr. David Baker to develop computational methods to design protein-protein interactions. He did his postdoc at Stanford University with Dr. Judith Frydman, where he implemented computational and structural approaches to define architectures and mechanics of large and dynamic complexes.

Dr. Joachimiak joined the faculty at UT Southwestern in 2016 as an Effie Marie Cain Endowed Scholar in Medical Research. His lab develops computational and structural approaches to probe the conformations of proteins and complexes. His current interests are focused on understanding the evolutionary principles that modulate local protein conformations that mitigate protein aggregation. In particular, he is interested in incipient changes in the tau protein conformation that drive pathogenicity and how cellular factors including molecular chaperones or post-translational modifications mediate this process.

Since 1990, CurePSP has provided funding to more than 200 researchers for a cumulative investment of $20 million. CurePSP's objective is to provide scientists with seed funding opportunities so they can develop the necessary proof of concept to validate innovative ideas and qualify for larger funding sources. CurePSP funds researchers focusing on the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms of PSP, CBD, and other neurodegenerative disorders. CurePSP aims to also enable researchers to focus on translational clinical studies involving patients.