Assistant Professor Dmitry Lyumkis’ team uses and optimizes an advanced imaging technique called cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to visualize large protein complexes within cells and to uncover how these structures work. In the fall, Lyumkis and Philip Baldwin co-authored a study that provides a foundation for quantitatively determining how differences in viewing angles affect the resulting 3D structures of proteins. Then, in January, Lyumkis, Salk co-first author Dario Passos and colleagues reported on how a powerful class of HIV drugs binds to a key piece of HIV machinery. By resolving this complex in 3D for the first time while different drugs were attached, the researchers discovered structural reasons for why these therapies are so potent.
Advances in imaging technique and new insight into how HIV drugs work at atomic level
Featured Stories
- Interaction + Infrastructure = Innovations in Healthy AgingSalk formula recalculates aging research, shifting focus to overall resilience and health span.
- Professor Jan Karlseder named Salk’s Chief Science OfficerOn February 1, Jan Karlseder started as Salk’s new senior vice president and chief science officer (CSO).
- Salk mourns the loss of Nobel Laureate Roger GuilleminThe Institute remembers the “father of neuroendocrinology” for his many contributions to science and friendship to all.
- Daniel Hollern–Turning a cancer diagnosis into a career in basic researchAssistant Professor Daniel Hollern pivoted his career trajectory after a family member’s life-changing diagnosis pushed his already-curious mind off a cliff of questions—starting with, “What can I do to help him?”
- Jerry Sheehan–Collaborating shoulder to shoulder with scientistsWhen you think about a person who heads an information technology department, you might not envision them working shoulder to shoulder with research scientists. But that’s exactly the approach Jerry Sheehan is taking as Salk’s new chief information officer (CIO).
- Laura Mainz–Taking control after a cancer diagnosisLaura Mainz grew up in a tiny village in midwestern Germany, with just as many cows as people. But the sweeping landscape speckled with farms never swayed her toward plant biology—instead, her interest in the human body grew.
- Black Association affinity group cultivates welcoming environmentThe Black Association at Salk (BAS) was one of the first affinity groups formed at Salk in 2020. Since that time, it has established itself as a welcoming space and go-to for resources for all Black Salk community members.
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