Picture of Andrew Kruse

Andrew Kruse, Ph.D.

Professor of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology

Our research aims to elucidate the molecular basis of membrane protein signaling using techniques including protein engineering, structural biology, and pharmacology.

Research:

Signal transduction across cell membranes plays a central role in human physiology and disease, yet the mechanistic details underlying transmembrane signaling remain poorly understood. Our research aims to elucidate the molecular basis of membrane protein signaling using techniques including protein engineering, structural biology, and pharmacology. In particular, we are focused on the study of proteins important in human health and disease, including G protein-coupled receptors and other proteins that regulate neurotransmission and metabolic homeostasis.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell-surface receptors that regulate neurotransmission, cardiovascular function, metabolic homeostasis, and many other physiological processes. Due to their central role in human physiology, these receptors are among the most important targets of therapeutic drugs, and are they among the most extensively studied proteins. To better understand GPCR signal transduction at a molecular level, we are using structural biology and biophysical methods to study model GPCRs such as muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. In addition, we are using new approaches in combinatorial biology to facilitate structural studies and to create protein ligands of GPCRs.

We are also interested in signal transduction pathways that remain less extensively studied than GPCRs, particularly receptors involved in the regulation of human metabolic homeostasis. In the long term, we hope to leverage our understanding of molecular signal transduction to guide the development of new and better therapeutics that modulate these pathways.

Address: 

Room SGM - 227

250 Longwood Avenue

Boston, MA 02115

Publications View
SpoVAF and FigP assemble into oligomeric ion channels that enhance spore germination.
Authors: Authors: Gao Y, Amon JD, Brogan AP, Artzi L, Ramírez-Guadiana FH, Cofsky JC, Kruse AC, Rudner DZ.
Genes Dev
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A new antibiotic traps lipopolysaccharide in its intermembrane transporter.
Authors: Authors: Pahil KS, Gilman MSA, Baidin V, Clairfeuille T, Mattei P, Bieniossek C, Dey F, Muri D, Baettig R, Lobritz M, Bradley K, Kruse AC, Kahne D.
Nature
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Author Correction: A new antibiotic traps lipopolysaccharide in its intermembrane transporter.
Authors: Authors: Pahil KS, Gilman MSA, Baidin V, Clairfeuille T, Mattei P, Bieniossek C, Dey F, Muri D, Baettig R, Lobritz M, Bradley K, Kruse AC, Kahne D.
Nature
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Antibodies Expand the Scope of Angiotensin Receptor Pharmacology.
Authors: Authors: Skiba MA, Sterling SM, Rawson S, Gilman MSA, Xu H, Nemeth GR, Hurley JD, Shen P, Staus DP, Kim J, McMahon C, Lehtinen MK, Wingler LM, Kruse AC.
bioRxiv
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The relaxin receptor RXFP1 signals through a mechanism of autoinhibition.
Authors: Authors: Erlandson SC, Rawson S, Osei-Owusu J, Brock KP, Liu X, Paulo JA, Mintseris J, Gygi SP, Marks DS, Cong X, Kruse AC.
Nat Chem Biol
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Allosteric activation of cell wall synthesis during bacterial growth.
Authors: Authors: Shlosman I, Fivenson EM, Gilman MSA, Sisley TA, Walker S, Bernhardt TG, Kruse AC, Loparo JJ.
Nat Commun
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Bacterial spore germination receptors are nutrient-gated ion channels.
Authors: Authors: Gao Y, Amon JD, Artzi L, Ramírez-Guadiana FH, Brock KP, Cofsky JC, Marks DS, Kruse AC, Rudner DZ.
Science
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A Spatiotemporal Map of Co-Receptor Signaling Networks Underlying B Cell Activation.
Authors: Authors: Susa KJ, Bradshaw GA, Eisert RJ, Schilling CM, Kalocsay M, Blacklow SC, Kruse AC.
bioRxiv
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An in silico method to assess antibody fragment polyreactivity.
Authors: Authors: Harvey EP, Shin JE, Skiba MA, Nemeth GR, Hurley JD, Wellner A, Shaw AY, Miranda VG, Min JK, Liu CC, Marks DS, Kruse AC.
Nat Commun
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Metal cofactor stabilization by a partner protein is a widespread strategy employed for amidase activation.
Authors: Authors: Page JE, Skiba MA, Do T, Kruse AC, Walker S.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
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