Dr. Wade Harper

Biography

Wade Harper is the Bert Natalie Vallee Professor of Molecular Pathology and a Professor of Cell Biology at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying cellular homeostasis and signaling, particularly through the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy-lysosome pathways. Harper's work has provided insights into the regulation of the cell cycle, particularly through his studies on cyclins and CDK inhibitors leading to the discovery of cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases. His current investigations utilize quantitative proteomics and imaging techniques to elucidate the biochemical mechanisms controlling protein turnover, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. A significant aspect of his work involves the PARKIN ubiquitin ligase, which is essential for the turnover of damaged mitochondria via autophagy, particularly in relation to its mutations and role in Parkinson's Disease. Harper collaborates with the Gygi Lab at Harvard Medical School to develop a large-scale human protein interaction network, encompassing a majority of proteins encoded by the human genome.

Research Interests

Experience