Research

The Nyarko Lab offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary environment focused on the structural biology and molecular biophysics of signaling networks. Our research centers on the Hippo signaling pathway—a critical network that maintains the homeostatic balance between cell growth and programmed death. Because dysregulation of this pathway is a primary driver of cancer, we seek to understand its "interactome" to discover new ways to selectively modulate therapeutic targets.

Core Research Areas:

• Protein-protein interactions: Advancing our understanding of how dynamic protein associations can be leveraged as targets for medical intervention.
• Multivalency and IDPs: Investigating how the inherent flexibility of intrinsically disordered proteins/regions (IDPs/IDRs) enables the assembly of versatile, complex signaling networks.
• Dynamic Ensembles: Characterizing "fuzzy complexes" to answer fundamental questions about protein disorder.
• Cancer Mechanisms: Exploring the structural link between Hippo pathway disruptions and tumor progression.

The lab utilizes high-level molecular biophysical techniques, including solution NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy and multi-angle light scattering (MALS), to gain a deeper understanding of these intricate biological problems.

Teaching

Dr. Nyarko teaches courses in Molecular Biophysics, emphasizing the relationship between molecular structure and biological function.

Education

Ph.D. Biochemistry, Ohio University

Research areas