Dr. Brown received his PhD in chemistry at Vanderbilt. Structure, dynamics, and intermolecular interactions that are the basis for biological macromolecular function. Dr. Brown uses NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and other experimental biophysical techniques in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulations to decipher the molecular mechanisms of nephropathy at the atomic level. This work is focused on understanding the molecular architecture and assembly mechanisms of the extracellular matrix (ECM), especially the scaffolding properties of collagen IV networks. By analyzing the impact of covalent modifications to ECM components identified in diabetic patients and animal models, Dr. Brown correlates the relationship between modified proteins and their altered function in kidney disease. The overall goal of this work is to decode the basic mechanisms of nephropathy for the purpose of designing better therapeutic strategies.
