People
José M. Argüello
Professor
Office: Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center, 4021
Phone: +1-508-831-5326
Fax: +1-508-831-5933
arguello@wpi.edu
Related Information
Educational Background
- Biological Chemist, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba - Argentina, 1979
- Ph.D., Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto - Argentina, 1985
Research & Teaching Interests
Biochemistry; ion transport; membrane protein structure/function; homeostasis of copper and other heavy metals.
Research
Our research is directed to understanding how biological organisms handle heavy metals, both micronutrients (Copper, Zinc, Manganese, etc.) and pollutants (Cadmium, Lead, etc.). Essential metal micronutrients are required for many cellular processes, ranging from antioxidant responses to neuronal activity. On the other hand, when present at high concentrations, all heavy metals are toxic leading to pathological states. The transporter and chaperone molecules that tightly control metal uptake and distribution are the focus of our studies. In particular, we investigate the structure and function of ATPase proteins that pump the metals across biological membranes. The relevance of these ATPases is highlighted, for instance, by their abundance in pathological bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis where they likely play key roles in antioxidant pathways required for virulence. To study these proteins, we use a variety of approaches: Structural and Molecular Biology, Biophysics and Protein Chemistry, in diverse experimental systems.
Recent Publications
Years of Service at WPI
- Assistant Professor, WPI, 1996-2002
- Associate Professor,WPI, 2002 -2007
- Professor 2007
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