Graduate Studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Name: Connie Jen Major Professor: Julie A Leary Department: Molecular and Cellular Biology (College of Biological Sciences) Lab Phone: 530-752-1412 Email: chjen@ucdavis.edu
Degrees BS - University of California, Davis - Biochemistry - 2005
Research Interests
Tyrosine sulfation is widespread post-translational modification and is implicated in playing an important role in protein-protein interactions. It was found that CCR5, a chemokine receptor and also co-receptor to HIV-1, is necessary to facilitate viral entry into cells. Several studies have also shown the importance of tyrosine sulfation of chemokine receptors in ligand binding. Chemokines are secreted by cells in response to proinflammatory signals, and subsequently bind glycosaminoglycans on the endothelial cell surface possibly as a mechanism for retention at the site of inflammation. A localized concentration gradient of chemokines provides directional cues for the accumulation of leukocytes at the source of chemokine production. Engagement of chemokines with its receptors on leukocytes triggers intracellular signals resulting in firm adhesion to the endothelium, and extravasation of the leukocytes from blood into the underlying tissue. The mechanism of chemokine-GAG and chemokine-receptor is still uncertain.

Publications