Lab Members

Joanne Yu

Postdoctoral Researcher
Heddle Initiative Research Unit
RIKEN

Email: joanne.yu at riken.jp

Research Interests

My research is based on using TRAP ring (trp RNA-binding attenuation protein) as a scaffold for inorganic components because of its nanoscale size and shape, and its tolerance to genetic mutations. We have succeeded in designing a derivative of Bacillus subtilis TRAP (TRAPsub) that is capable of biomineralizing silver nanoparticles. In addition, our group has demonstrated protein nanotube formation with Bacillus stearothermophilus TRAP (TRAPst). It may be envisioned that the length of the tubes and the diameter of the channels running within them, make these TRAP-based nanotubes ideal templates for governing the dimensions of nanowires constructed inside them during biomineralization. I am also investigating methods to realize protein-templated, controllable fullerene nanowires by attachment of modified fullerenes to mutated amino acid residues on the exterior of the protein nanotube.