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Neil L. Kelleher Associate Professor of Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biophysics Ph.D. 1997, Cornell University Changes in the mass of proteins are translated into enzyme functional/mechanistic insight and discovery of new Post-Translational Modifications Neil L. Kelleher 53 RAL, Box 47-5, MC-712 600 S. Mathews Urbana, IL 61801 217-244-3927 kelleher@scs.uiuc.edu

Current Research

Characterization of Post-Translational Modifications of proteins is a central theme of our diverse group (combining mass spectrometry, computer science, and enzymology). Using "next-generation" mass spectrometry and bioinformatic tools pioneered in our lab, we are using a "Top-Down" philosophy to discover new modifications in extremophiles, yeast, and humans, studying the "conveyor-belt" enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of blockbuster antibiotics, and deicphering the "histone code", which regulates transcription and is written in the logic of post-translational modification (e.g., methylation, phosphorylation, acetylation).