Faculty Profiles

« Return to Faculty List

Deborah E. Leckband Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Biochemistry, and Biophysics Ph.D. 1988, Cornell University Molecular force movements; structure; proteins; electrostatics; biomembranes Deborah E. Leckband 127 RAL, MC-712 600 S. Mathews Urbana, IL 61801 217-244-0793 leckband@illinois.edu

A major focus in my group is the molecular basis of cell adhesion. My lab uses molecular force measurements to determine the structure-function relationships of complex cell adhesion proteins. With our unique approach, my group discovered that adhesion proteins mediate cell-cell binding by complex mechanisms that involve multiple protein domains. Single molecule force measurements further showed that these interactions regulate cell adhesion through both spatial (membrane spanning distances) and kinetic controls. We complement these force measurements with both computational approaches and structural studies using X-ray and neutron reflectivity. In addition, we are using fluorescence techniques to quantify the dynamics and organization of adhesion molecules at intercellular junctions. With the latter measurements, we are determining how protein interactions dictate the maturation and strength of adhesion junctions between cells. Using these powerful experimental tools, together with genetic engineering and theoretical approaches, we are generating novel, fundamental answers to some of biology’s most basic and important questions—how cells organize to form tissues.