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Wayne Hubbell Laboratory

Protein Structure and Dynamics

Exploring the molecular mechanisms of protein function using advanced biophysical techniques

Dr. Wayne Hubbell

Wayne L. Hubbell, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus

Jules Stein Chair in Ophthalmology

Department of Ophthalmology and Chemistry and Biochemistry

Jules Stein Eye Institute

hubbellw@jsei.ucla.eduLaboratory WebsiteWikipediaFaculty Profile

The Hubbell laboratory investigates the relationship between protein structure, dynamics, and function. A key focus is on membrane proteins that act as molecular switches, such as rhodopsin in photoreceptor cells. Using innovative techniques like site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), Dr. Hubbell's team has advanced our understanding of protein conformational changes during activation.

Key research questions include:

  • How do molecular switches like rhodopsin undergo conformational changes to activate signaling pathways?
  • What are the structural dynamics of retinoid-carrying proteins involved in vitamin A transport?
  • How can SDSL and EPR be used to map protein structures in real time?
  • What are the mechanisms regulating protein-lipid interactions in biological membranes?
  • How do structural changes in proteins relate to their functional states?

Dr. Hubbell's groundbreaking work has not only elucidated fundamental principles of protein dynamics but also contributed to advancements in understanding visual system disorders and developing novel biophysical methodologies.

Selected Publications

Requirement of rigid-body motion of transmembrane helices for light activation of rhodopsin

DL Farrens, C Altenbach, K Yang, WL Hubbell, HG Khorana

Science (1996) • 1548 citations

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Identifying conformational changes with site-directed spin labeling

WL Hubbell, DS Cafiso, C Altenbach

Nature Structural Biology (2000) • 1045 citations

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High-resolution distance mapping in rhodopsin reveals the pattern of helix movement due to activation

C Altenbach, AK Kusnetzow, OP Ernst, KP Hofmann, WL Hubbell

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA (2008) • 574 citations

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Watching proteins move using site-directed spin labeling

WL Hubbell, HS Mchaourab, C Altenbach, MA Lietzow

Structure (1996) • 584 citations

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