MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs) are enzymes that activate kinases by removing phosphate groups, playing crucial roles in both physiological processes and various diseases. Developing drugs that target MKPs is challenging due to the nearly identical residues in their catalytic sites responsible for dephosphorylation. We have identified allosteric inhibitors for MKP5 and determined their structure in complex with these inhibitors.
The goal is to elucidate the structures of MKP5 complexes with kinases using X-ray crystallography or cryo-electron microscopy. The postdoctoral associate will also collaborate with experts in NMR, molecular dynamics, cellular biology and signaling, and mouse models of disease, enhancing our understanding of how the allosteric site influences physiology and disease mechanisms.
We plan to utilize drug discovery to identify allosteric inhibitors for other MKPs, investigate their interactions, and apply these findings to study other diseases.
Applicants must have experience in structural biology.
Interested candidates should send their CV and names of three references to:
Professor Elias Lolis
Department of Pharmacology
Yale University School of Medicine
333 Cedar Street
New Haven, CT 06520-8066
elias.lolis@yale.edu
