Molecular Biophysics of Mammalian and Fungal Macromolecular Assemblies

Author

Michael L. Stawski, The City College of New YorkFollow

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Department

Chemistry

First Advisor

Urs Jans

Second Advisor

Ruth Stark

Keywords

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Fatty acid-binding proteins, Endogenous cannabinoids, Melanin, Cryptococcus neoformans, Fungal infection

Abstract

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) is a powerful and highly versatile analytical tool that allows for the collection of data reflecting the macromolecular organization of an ordered structure, and even intramolecular interactions of nuclei. This thesis details two projects that utilized NMR to gain a higher understanding of two macromolecular assemblies; each project has been divided into two separate chapters. Chapter One describes the study of the surface interactions and subsequent conformational changes of fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) when bound to a specific substrate, the objective of which was to gain valuable insight on how FABP-ligand interactions impact human obesity. Chapter Two details the study of the macromolecular architecture of the fungal cell wall belonging to the virulent fungal species Cryptococcus neoformans, of which the goal was to obtain biochemical and biophysical insight into the macromolecular complexes involved in human infections, while also potentially contributing towards an eventual method of curing said infections. Pursuing these two avenues of investigation was a necessity, in the interest of both effectively coordinating on projects with valued collaborators, in addition to facing the challenges of protein expression.

Recommended Citation

Stawski, Michael L., "Molecular Biophysics of Mammalian and Fungal Macromolecular Assemblies" (2026). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1235