Current Lab Members
Dr. Randy Hampton (He/Him)
Principle Investigator
Our group studies a variety of questions that surround how the cell selectively destroys proteins. This work started with understanding how these sorts of mechanisms are employed to allow regulation of cellular cholesterol synthesis. These studies are ongoing and have led us in a number of interesting directions including cellular management of misfolded proteins, lipid signaling, and the dynamics of the ER and other organelles. Outside of lab I am an avid marathon runner and cat dad to Carbon (right).
Alexis A Reyes, Ph.D (She/They)
IRACDA Postdoctoral Fellow
My project involves investigating the HMG-CoA Reductase, Hmg2, regulated degradation by GGPP and INSIGs. I am optimizing biochemical and biophysical assays to determine the specific mechanisms for Hmg2 mallosteric regulation. One major goal of my project is to determine the first high-resolution structures of Hmg2 and visualize the effects of GGPP and INSIGs at a near-atomic level using cryo-EM. As an UCSD-IRACDA fellow I am actively involved in mentoring and teaching BIPOC and LGBTQ+ students, and aspire to become a faculty member at an R1 or R2 institution. Outside of lab I enjoy swimming, collecting house plants, and learning to whittle.
Dr. Matt Flagg
Postdoctoral Researcher
I'm currently a postdoc in Randy Hampton's lab. In the past, I've worked in academic labs (here and at MGH) and in biotech (Genzyme). I still love to be at the bench, but biology education has started to become my focus, and I'm hoping to do a postdoc where I can establish a line of inquiry about best classroom practices. So, the lecture hall is now my laboratory. Outside work, I like to read, run, listen to music, and be a couch potato with my wife and dogson.
Christina Liem (She/Her)
PhD Candidate
My project is focused on understanding the mallosteric regulation of the yeast isozyme of the mammalian HMG-CoA Reductase enzyme, called Hmg2. I am currently using genetic and biochemical assays to determine the regions of Hmg2 that bind to its regulatory ligand, GGPP. Outside of the lab, I am an avid volleyball player and a bunny mom.
Lily Stine (She/her)
Lab Manager
I am recent UCSD General Biology graduate and will be attending UC Davis this fall for my PhD. Currently I am woking on investigating potential glycosylation sites on Hmg2 using genetic manipulation and drug treatments. Outside of lab I love crocheting, painting, and knitting.
Tiffany Le (She/Her)
Undergraduate Researcher
I am a fourth year General Biology major and English/Literature minor. In lab, I am currently studying ligand-dependent protein misfolding and degradation. In my free time, I enjoy skateboarding, writing, and exploring nature! Also, I can solve a rubik's cube in under 2 minutes!
Jayden Wang (He/Him)
Undergraduate Researcher
I'm a fourth-year majoring in Environmental Systems - EBE with a minor in Photography. I work with Christina on understanding the mallosteric regulation of the yeast isozyme of the mammalian HMG-CoA Reductase enzyme, called Hmg2. We are currently using genetic and biochemical assays to determine the regions of Hmg2 that bind to its regulatory ligand, GGPP. Outside of the lab, I love baking and rock climbing!
Harrison Nash
I am a second year Molecular and Cell Biology major. My work involves investigatng the degradation of Hmg1, the paralog of Hmg2. Although Hmg1 is known to be very stable, it is degraded under specific conditions while Hmg2 is not. Using a conditioned media assay, I am trying to understand the conditions under which Hmg1 is degraded as well as the mechanism that is responsible for it. Outside of the lab, I enjoy mountain biking and sailing!
Buddy
S. Cerevisiae
Lab Alumni
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