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Biographical Description
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I am an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and my lab focuses on developing quantitative imaging assays and novel biosensors to understand lipid-protein interactions. We commonly use total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, confocal microscopy, FRAP and FRET techniques.
I am also involved the interdisciplinary molecular biophysics program that includes members of the Physics, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Biology Department. More information about Biophysical sciences at the University of Denver can be found here:
Biophysics in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
PDF on the Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biophysics
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Contact Information
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Our lab website: http://michelleknowles.wix.com/knowleslab
Office: (303) 871-6698
Email: michelle.knowles@du.edu
Office location: S.G. Mudd 101
Lab location: S.G. Mudd 259
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Research
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The goal of our research is to understand the molecular mechanism of membrane proteins. We use biophysical techniques, such as imaging and spectroscopy, to temporally map proteins on the plasma membrane of living cells and model membrane systems. We are particularly interested in how membrane shape can control protein sorting and function. We focus on proteins that facilitate membrane fusion (SNARE proteins), recognize apoptotic cells for removal (Complement proteins), and proteins that regulate the flow of chemicals across the plasma membrane (P-glycoprotein).