Dr. ANGELINE LYON Associate Professor 25% Biological Sciences, 75% Chemistry 765-494-5291 WTHR331B lyonam@purdue.edu Associated website(s): Lab Website , Publications

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PROFESSIONAL FACULTY RESEARCH

Cardiovascular disease is a growing problem worldwide and the leading cause of death in the United States. Phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes, in particular PLCβ and PLCε, are essential for normal cardiovascular function. These proteins generate second messengers that regulate the concentration of intracellular calcium and the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Dysregulation of calcium levels and PKC activity can result in cardiovascular diseases and heart failure. PLCβ is regulated principally via interactions with the heterotrimeric G protein subunits Gαq and Gβγ. Much less is known about the regulation and activation of PLCε. PLCε integrates and amplifies signals generated by tyrosine kinase receptors and G protein-coupled receptors via small GTPases such as Ras, Rho, and Rap.

My lab uses an innovative combination of X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to gain structural insights into PLC regulation and activation. Structure-based hypotheses are validated through functional assays, and ultimately cell-based and whole animal studies. A long-term interest is the development of small molecule modulators to regulate PLCε function. These studies will aid in the identification and development of novel chemical probes that could be used to study and potentially treat cardiovascular disease.

BIO

Cardiovascular disease is a growing problem worldwide and the leading cause of death in the United States. Phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes, in particular PLCβ and PLCε, are essential for normal cardiovascular function. These proteins generate second messengers that regulate the concentration of intracellular calcium and the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Dysregulation of calcium levels and PKC activity can result in cardiovascular diseases and heart failure. PLCβ is regulated principally via interactions with the heterotrimeric G protein subunits Gαq and Gβγ. Much less is known about the regulation and activation of PLCε. PLCε integrates and amplifies signals generated by tyrosine kinase receptors and G protein-coupled receptors via small GTPases such as Ras, Rho, and Rap.

My lab uses an innovative combination of X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy to gain structural insights into PLC regulation and activation. Structure-based hypotheses are validated through functional assays, and ultimately cell-based and whole animal studies. A long-term interest is the development of small molecule modulators to regulate PLCε function. These studies will aid in the identification and development of novel chemical probes that could be used to study and potentially treat cardiovascular disease.

We are currently accepting graduate students.

Education

• B.A., University of Texas at Austin, Biochemistry, 2004
• Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin, 2009
• Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Michigan, 2014

Recognitions

• ASPET Molecular Pharmacology Early Career Award 2021
• ASPET Molecular Pharmacology Secretary-Treasurer 2019-2020
• ASPET Molecular Pharmacology Division Young Scientist Award, 2012
• American Heart Association Post-Doctoral Fellow, 2011