Bio
As an undergraduate, Dr. Micquel Downs studied the question how rate acceleration
of ATP hydrolysis is achieved in proteins with funding from the National Science Foundation
Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU). She continues to study her model
system, kinesins, during her graduate work at LSUHSC. She expanded her skillset to
how the protein works at a cellular level in the context for Zika Virus infection.
After completing her PhD, Dr. Downs worked on another ATPase, intestinal alkaline
phosphatase, specializing in mammalian protein expression and purification.
As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Downs is a member of the NSF CREST Center for Adaptive
Nanomotor Development where she leads a research program focused on the role of water
networks in allosteric communication.
Education
PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans
Teaching
Lecturer, Inter 111
Publications
Liu L, Downs M, Guidry J, and Wojcik EJ. Inter-organelle interactions between the ER and mitotic
apparatus facilitates Zika protease cleavage of human Kinesin-5 and contributes to
distinct mitotic defects. iScience. 2021; 24(5): 102385. PMCID: PMC8100630.