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Afua A. Nyarko

Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics

Afua A. Nyarko

Associate Professor
Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics

Research

The Nyarko lab investigates mechanisms of multi-protein assemblies in signaling pathways, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel strategies to selectively modulate downstream responses. We are particularly interested in the Hippo signaling pathway, a multi-component and dynamic network of protein-protein associations critical to the homeostatic balance of cell growth versus cell death. Current research efforts are directed at understanding the strong link between Hippo signaling dysregulation and cancer, advancing understanding of fundamental mechanisms of protein associations and how they can be modulated for therapeutic intervention, and understanding the regulatory importance of multivalent intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that are prevalent in Hippo signaling. We use an interdisciplinary approach that include molecular biophysics, cell biology and computational modeling to address our experimental questions. Our long term goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets for cancer.

Teaching

Biochemistry Laboratory Molecular Techniques I (BB 493/593). This is a laboratory course with a lecture component that introduces students to basic molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysical techniques

Molecular Biophysics II (BB482/582). This course explores select molecular biophysics techniques and their applications to the study of biomolecules and biomolecular interactions.

Education

Ph.D. Biochemistry, Ohio University

College strategic research areas

Biomedical Science