Joseph E. Wedekind, Ph.D.

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The Wedekind lab investigates the mechanisms of action of non-protein-coding (nc)RNAs. Our goal is to understand the principles by which these molecules gain biological function, which is widely applicable to human disease, as well as the identification of new antimicrobial targets. Model systems include small ribozymes derived from plant viroids, and metabolite sensing riboswitches from bacteria that regulate gene expression.

We also study the DNA editing enzyme APOBEC3G (A3G), which is an innate anti-HIV-1 factor expressed in CD4+ T cells. Our goal is to elucidate structures of A3G in complex with HIV-1 proteins. Our long-term goal is to develop therapeutics that make A3G more potent in its ability to block viral infectivity.

Current Appointments

• Associate Professor - Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics (SMD)

Education
Ph.D. Biochemistry (Structural Enzymology)	University of Wisconsin at Madison	1995
B.Sc. Biochemistry (Magna Cum Laude)	University of California at Riverside	1990

Post-Doctoral Training & Residency
Biophysics, Dept. of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine (Prof. D. B. McKay - advisor)	1995 - 1999

Fellowship Awards
Burroughs-Wellcome Fund Fellow of the Life Sciences Research Foundation (Post-Doctoral Award)	1996 - 1999
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Post-Doctoral Fellow (declined)	1996
NIH/NRSA Post-doctoral Research Award (declined)	1996

Lab Description

The Wedekind lab uses biophysical and biochemical techniques to investigate: (i) mechanisms of action of ncRNAs, and (ii) host protein interactions with viral factors, such as APOBEC3G and Vif.

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Lab Website

http://dbb.urmc.rochester.edu/labs/wedekind/Site/Wedekind_Home.html

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Recent Journal Articles
Showing the 5 most recent journal articles. (52 available)
Wedekind, J.E.; Beal, P.A. "Mechanism of action and structural aspects of ADARs (A-to-I) and APOBEC-related (C-to-U) deaminases". in DNA and RNA Modification Enzymes: Structure, Mechanism, Function and Evolution. Ed. H. Grosjean. Landes BioSciences. (2009): 203-223.
Spitale RC; Torelli AT; Krucinska J; Bandarian V; Wedekind JE. "The Structural Basis for Recognition of the PreQ0 Metabolite by an Unusually Small Riboswitch Aptamer Domain." The Journal of biological chemistry. 2009; 284(17):11012-6. Epub 2009 Mar 04.
Spitale RC; Volpini R; Heller MG; Krucinska J; Cristalli G; Wedekind JE. "Identification of an Imino Group Indispensable for Cleavage by a Small Ribozyme." Journal of the American Chemical Society. 2009; Epub 2009 Apr 08.
Spitale RC; Wedekind JE. "Exploring ribozyme conformational changes with X-ray crystallography." Methods (San Diego, Calif.). 2009; Epub 2009 Jun 23.
Spitale RC; Volpini R; Mungillo MV; Krucinska J; Cristalli G; Wedekind JE. "Single-Atom Imino Substitutions at A9 and A10 Reveal Distinct Effects on the Fold and Function of the Hairpin Ribozyme Catalytic Core." Biochemistry. 2009; Epub 2009 Jul 31.