David Langelaan

Dr. Langelaan is interested in how transcription factors, which are proteins that signal for and control cell division and development, can be involved in disease. Specifically, he is investigating the MITF transcription factor that is involved with relaying the cell signals that cause melanoma. Dr. Langelaan uses a combination of structural biology and biophysics to determine the shape and structure of MITF as it partners with other proteins in the body to carry out its function. This research will lead to new strategies to design drugs to treat melanoma.