Dr. Jawdat Al Bassam

Biography

Jawdat Al-Bassam is an Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of California, Davis. His research focuses on the dynamics of microtubules, which are crucial protein polymers that generate forces within eukaryotic cells and facilitate various cellular transformations such as division and migration. Al-Bassam’s laboratory investigates the assembly and disassembly processes of microtubules, particularly how αβ-tubulin heterodimers polymerize into protofilaments and form microtubules. He employs a range of biochemical and structural biology techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography, to reveal the intricate mechanisms regulating microtubule dynamics. By utilizing these advanced methods, Al-Bassam aims to bridge the gap between molecular architecture and functional states of microtubules, furthering our understanding of their role in cell division and development. His educational background includes a B.S. in Biochemistry from California State University, Long Beach, followed by a Ph.D. from the Scripps Research Institute and postdoctoral studies at Harvard Medical School.

Research Interests