Shelagh Ferguson-Miller
University Distinguished Professor
- Chairperson, MSU Biochemistry, 2003 - 2008
- MSU Distinguished Professor, 1997
- Research Associate, Northwestern University, 1972-77
- Fellow of Canadian National Research Council, Oxford, 1971-72
- Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1971
- M.A., University of Toronto, 1966
fergus20@msu.edu
210 Biochemistry Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48824-1319
Office: 517-355-0199
Lab: 517-353-3512
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Shelagh Ferguson-Miller Research Interests continued
Extensive spectral and biochemical analysis has led to a model of the active site and proposed pathways for proton translocation, which are confirmed by recent high resolution crystal structures for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic enzymes. On-going work involves the design of site-directed mutants to further test these models and efforts to crystallize the oxidase from Rhodobacter sphaeroides and its mutant forms. The goal is to elucidate how the oxygen chemistry drives a proton pump, how the process is regulated to balance fat storage and heat generation, and how aging and disease are associated with loss of efficiency of energy production.
Full text of research interests