Research in the Wang laboratory centers around interface of genetics, chemistry, biology, medicine and biotechnology investigations that explore the protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) and their networks. We are studying bacterial and eukaryotic systems in a multidisciplinary approach that includes expanding genetics codes, protein chemistry, enzymology and structural analysis. With knowledge of PTM studies, we are also seeking the applications in discovering new concepts of protein drug design.
My research currently focus on three subjects in coherence mode:
- Synthesizing protein with PTMs, e.g., protein ubiquitin-like modifications, methylation and phosphorylation;
- Biocatalysis: developing novel enzyme for in vivo protein modifications through click-type bioothogonal reactions;
- Expanding genetic code studies: developing evolved protein translation system for incorporating multiple and different non-canonical amino acids into proteins in vivo.