We’re digging back into our archives with an episode with bioengineer Polly Fordyce. Polly studies the form and function of proteins. She refers to proteins as the “workhorses” that make things in the body happen, and her study of these molecules reveals a greater understanding of human life. We hope you’ll tune in to this conversation again, and enjoy.

Episode Reference Links:

• Stanford Profile: Polly Fordyce
• Polly’s Lab: The Fordyce Lab

Connect With Us:

• Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
• Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
• Connect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Host Russ Altman introduces guest Polly Fordyce, a professor of bioengineering and genetics at Stanford University.

(00:01:51) What are Proteins?

The basics of proteins and their crucial roles in the body.

(00:05:01) Protein Structure and Function

The relationship between protein structure and function.

(00:07:07) Innovations in Protein Research

The high-throughput technologies used in the lab to study protein functions.

(00:09:44) Mutant Proteins and Functional Variants

How mutations in proteins affect their function and structure, using the example of the protein PafA.

(00:14:24) The Impact of Protein Research on Medicine

Insight into how protein mutations can aid in developing targeted therapies.

(00:17:37) Proteins and DNA Interaction

The role of proteins in reading DNA and regulating gene expression.

(00:21:41) Transcription Factors and DNA Binding

The relationship between transcription factors and specific DNA sequences.

(00:25:36) Mechanisms of Transcription Activation

The process of transcription activation and the role of co-activators and RNA polymerase.

(00:28:15) Future Directions in Protein Research

The future of protein research, including making advanced research tools more accessible.

(00:30:36) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook