B.S. in Chemistry, 1996, St. John's University, NY
M.S. in Biology, 1998, St. John's University, NY
Ph.D. in Chemistry, 2005, Columbia University, NY
Postdoctoral Researcher, 2006-2008, University of Oxford, UK
Postdoctoral Researcher, 2009-2010, University of Colorado, Boulder
kvarga@uwyo.edu • (307)766-6241 • PS 426
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is a powerful technique to elucidate the structure and dynamics of biological macromolecules. NMR can provide information in atomic detail about well-folded soluble proteins, integral membrane and membrane associated proteins, ligand-protein interactions, protein aggregates, and even partially folded proteins. Approximately one-third of all proteins are located in biological membranes. Membrane proteins have diverse biological functions, and it is estimated that they constitute at least half of all therapeutic drug targets. Structural elucidation of membrane proteins remains challenging, and less than 2% are structurally characterized. We utilize both solution and solid state NMR techniques to investigate membrane proteins in solution and in their native environment, in membranes. Additional research interests include proteins associated with the development of Huntington's disease and stabilizing agents which protect biological macromolecules against the lethal effects of freezing and drying in vitro and in live cells.
