Our Research

The Tullman-Ercek lab builds biomolecular devices for a wide range of applications, from medicine (e.g., vaccines, therapeutics, drug delivery, probiotics) to the environment (e.g., bioremediation, sustainable biochemical production, degradable plastics, next-generation biomaterials). We focus on engineering highly organized self-assembling protein systems – the nanoscale building blocks of biology. Such assemblies govern critical processes at all levels of life, from formation of viral capsids to oxygen transport in blood. We investigate:

1. What fundamental principles govern the precise nanoscale organization of proteins?

2. How does organization of biochemical processes enhance their performance?

3. How can we manipulate these protein assemblies to gain new or enhanced functions?

Our current model systems include protein containers, like the MS2 viral capsid and bacterial organelles (microcompartments), and membrane protein machines such as the type III secretion system.

Projects

Microcompartments: Organizing Life for Sustainable Biomanufacturing

All life is based on segregation of chemical reactions into structures such as organelles, cells, and tissues. We study the benefits and applications of subcellular organization in bacteria, which natively encapsulate some metabolic pathways in proteinaceous organelles called microcompartments. Recently, we have reprogrammed microcompartments to encapsulate enzymatic pathways for production of biofuels and commodity chemicals. In this subgroup, we study the assembly principles of these protein complexes, engineer methods to controllably encapsulate new enzymes, and explore how pathway encapsulation can address metabolic engineering challenges.

Protein Secretion: Developing Affordable Biomanufacturing

 

Proteins are used in numerous applications, ranging from detergent stain removers to cancer drugs. However, current methods of commercial protein production are encumbered by long and costly purification processes. Some proteins currently cannot be produced in microbial hosts at all due to cellular toxicity. These problems may be solved by continuously transporting proteins produced in the cell to the extracellular medium, thereby removing the protein from the cell and simultaneously releasing it to an environment with fewer contaminating proteins. This subgroup focuses on harnessing the type III secretion system of bacteria to export proteins of biotechnological interest such as antibodies at high titers. This fascinating membrane protein complex is a nano-scale needle that pumps proteins across the cell boundaries; its natural role is to initiate the infection process. As we make advances in manipulating this system, we also can impact the design of new strategies to combat infections by the gut pathogens that rely on this system.

Virus-Like Particles: Vaccines and Drug Delivery

Virus-Like Particles (VLPs) are protein structures derived from viral capsids that protect and deliver cargo to host cells. Our group focuses on adapting VLPs for applications such as targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, vaccines, and imaging diagnostics. However, the capacity to selectively deliver VLPs to target cells in vivo remains a challenge, as immunologic agents clear these macromolecular carriers from circulation before tissue-specific uptake can occur. To overcome these limitations, we study how mutations impact VLP properties, such as size and stability, and use cutting-edge methods including cell-free expression and bioconjugation to “decorate” the VLP shell with new functionality. We collaborate with several groups in academia and industry to test the most promising designs in models relevant to human health.

Protein-based Biomaterials: Building Better Materials with Biology

 

We are using natural biological materials – silk, resilin, elastin, mussel adhesive proteins, and more–as building blocks for engineered materials with user-defined properties. Such goals require understanding the relationship between sequence, structure, and function, and collection of large data sets to inform these design rules. To this end, we collaborate with several labs to develop high-throughput library generation, protein purification, deposition, and property measurement techniques. We envision that this work will eventually permit evolution of novel underwater protein adhesives, new flexible/wearable sensors, and color-changing materials with superior properties.

Available Positions

Specific positions will be posted as they become available.

 

Post-Doctorate Positions

Interested postdoctoral candidates can inquire about possible positions by emailing Professor Tullman-Ercek directly.

 

Graduate Students

Students should apply directly to the relevant Ph.D. program, Chemical and Biological Engineering or IBiS at NU. We do not directly admit or sponsor Ph.D. students outside of this application process. Interested masters student can use the below contact form to get in touch or email Prof Tullman-Ercek directly.

 

Undergraduate students

Interested undergraduates should use the contact form.

 

 

To get started, contact us.

 

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