The Gradinaru Lab

Spencer Smyth
Position: PhD Student
Project: Insights into the Dynamic Behaviour of the 4E-BP2 Protein from Single-Molecule Experiments
Background:Spencer obtained his Bachelor degree at UTM, majoring in Physics and Chemistry. After completing his Master in the Gradinaru group in the Fall of 2018, he continues as a PhD working on intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). His research is focused primarily on IDP interactions, e.g., the phospho-regualted binding of the 4E-BP2 protein to the translation initiation factor eIF4E. The main goal is to obtain a fundamental understanding of IDP "structure" and function by interpreting single-molecule data through the lens of simulations and models that incorporate several experimental modalities. Outside the lab, Spencer enjoys playing musical instruments, weightlifting, powersports and being outdoors.

Xiaohan Zhou
Position: PhD Student
Project: The Quaternary Organization and Interaction Dynamics of GPCRs in Live Cells
Background: Xiaohan obtained his Bachelor degree at Nanjing University, majoring in Physics. He joined the Gradinaru group in the Fall of 2020 as a PhD student working on the muscarinic receptors, which are part of the Class A of G Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRS). The goal is to measure the their dynamic spatial distribution and interaction kinetics with G proteins in live cells. He will map out trajectories of individual proteins to quantify their diffusion properties, by combining fluorescence techniques such as dual-color SPT, dual-color FCS and smFRET. Outside the lab, Xiaohan enjoys playing video games, reading and watching his favorite football team, FC Bayern Munich.

Ashraf Modares
Position: MSc Student
Project: Delineating Allosteric Pathways in GPCR-G-Protein Complexes via Single-Molecule Spectroscopy
Background: Ashraf obtained his Bachelor's degree from Amirkabir University of Technology, majoring in Physics and Aerospace Engineering. In the Fall of 2023, he joined the Gradinaru group to work on delineating the conformational dynamics and allosteric pathways in G proteins and their coupled receptors. He will use single-molecule fluorescence techniques, such as FCS and smFRET, to test specific hypotheses regarding how regulatory proteins and GPCRs modulate signaling. The primary goal is to investigate the conformational dynamics and binding kinetics of receptors and G proteins, to inform drug discovery. Outside the lab, Ashraf is exploring new experiences in the new country and seeking ways to rekindle his old hobbies, such as hiking and shooting.

Maria Shemeteva
Position: PhD Student
Project: Studying Initiall Steps of GPCR signalling via Single-Particle Tracking in Live Live Cells
Background: Maria obtained her Bachelor's degree at HSE University in Moscow, majoring in Physics. In the Fall of 2023, she joined the Gradinaru group to study the regulation of Go signalling in live cells in the context of central-nervous system disorders. She will use fluorescence single-particle tracking to study activation of G proteins (Go and Gs) and their regulation in the live cell environment, where expression levels, membrane rigidity and crowding effects are likely critical factors. The goal is to address key questions about receptor-G-protein coupling in the cell membrane, from the perspective of the Adenosine A2A receptor. Outside the lab, Maria enjoys reading, watching films, hiking and skiing (yes, she is crazy about mountains!).