Zhongyu Yang

My work focuses on using Cu(II), a paramagnetic ion, as the spin probe, to measure metal-metal distance in synthesized oligomers as well as proteins. The measurement methodology we used is Double Electron Electron Resonance (DEER). This method has been proven to be powerful in the structure determination, using nitroxide as the spin labels. I want to extend this method to the use of Cu(II) as the spin probe. The specific challenge for the use of Cu(II) as the spin probe is the large anisotropy of Cu(II) g and hyperfine tensors. The anisotropy not only largely broadens the ESR line shape, but may also bring internal orientation selectivity into the DEER distance measurements. I am particularly interested in probing the orientational selectivity theoretically first.

After that, I want to apply the theories into real proteins, such as the Glycine Receptor (GlyR) and the restriction endonuclease EcoRI. The GlyR is an ion channel protein with five subunits, to form a center pore. Upon binding of glycine, the pore opens to allow chloride ions permeation. Cu(II) binding sites have been detected on each subunit. Therefore, combined with nitroxide spin labels, I can not only measure the Cu(II)-Cu(II) distances, but also the Cu(II)-nitroxide distances. In the EcoRI project, I measured the distance between Cu(II) binding sites to be 3.5 nm, using DEER. These measurements provide protein structure information in atomic level. These methodologies are spectacular for proteins that are either difficult to crystallize or contain protein-DNA interactions. In the research, I also obtain training in protein expression (thanks to Katherine Stone), theory, and programming (thanks to Dr. Soraya Pornsuwan)

When I am out of work, I like playing with my DSLR camera. Since Pittsburgh is such a beautiful city, in all the seasons, it is always fun to photograph both in the city and in the countryside. I also like traveling - I have been to several state parks and national parks near Pittsburgh. They are really nice.
I was a big sports fan in college, but now I play soccer, basket ball and football on video games. I enjoyed the days watching NBA finals and world cup finals. Sport is an important aspect in my life. I also like programming. I have done programming in C and C++ in college. Thanks to Dr. Soraya Pornsuwan, who just graduated from our lab this summer. She taught me basic matlab programming. Now I am confident on both tools and more often, I combine them. Computer programming brings a lot of fun into my life. Overall, although I have many interests, my major life is still focused on my research