Dr. Geoffrey Chang

Biography

Geoffrey Chang is a Professor at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. His research primarily centers on determining X-ray structures of four classes of multidrug resistance (MDR) transporters, revealing critical insights into drug binding sites within cellular membranes. His work includes studying the mammalian MDR ABC transporter P-glycoprotein, the lipid ABC transporter MsbA, the Small Multidrug Efflux transporter EmrE, and the Major Facilitator Superfamily MDR transporter EmrD, among others. These drug efflux pumps play a significant role in conferring resistance to treatments for bacterial infections, cancers, and HIV. By elucidating the structures of these transporters, he emphasizes themes in molecular structural biology, including the presence of V-shaped substrate-entry portals that facilitate the transport of hydrophobic substrates across lipid bilayers. Chang's laboratory is deeply invested in the development of innovative techniques to crystallize integral membrane proteins for biophysical analysis, and is a strong participant in NSF-funded research centers. His academic contributions include pioneering new methods for antibody affinity maturation and advancing understanding in the field of drug transporters, particularly in relation to malaria-causing parasites. Chang holds a B.A. and M.S. in Biophysics from the University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics from the same institution.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards