Dr. Donita C. Brady of Brady Lab UPenn

ER stress tolerance is regulated by copper-dependent PERK kinase activity ft. S. Newton (@BB_UPenn), @bradylabupenn.bsky.social (@penncbio.bsky.social), X. Shi, N. Beratan, J. Arya, M. Bond, C. Akay-Espinoza & @KJSsci (Dental) @cp-cellreports.bsky.social www.cell.com/cell-reports...

www.cell.com/cell-reports...

www.cell.com/cell-reports...

By mutating PERK’s copper-binding sites, researchers made cells & worms hypersensitive to stress. ➡️ Copper availability literally decides survival vs. death.

Cells use metals like copper as molecular switches. Understanding this could open new ways to target stress responses in cancer, neurodegeneration & beyond.

This is the latest addition to known cases of metallallosteric regulation of a protein kinase. Metal ions aren’t just cofactors — they’re signals that tune cell fate.

Cells are constantly stressed by misfolded proteins. PERK is one of the cell’s “emergency brakes.” This study shows PERK only works if it has copper bound — no copper, no brake.

🚨 Our 4th example of metalloallosteric regulation of kinase activity. Out today in @CellReports with @KJSsci. The ER stress sensor kinase PERK needs copper to work. Without copper, PERK can’t protect cells under stress. cell.com/cell-reports/p…

This award is not just mine. It reflects the efforts of so many who believe in equal opportunity and mentorship, & opportunity — & who have trusted, supported, & invested in my leadership along the way. @pennmedcso.bsky.social @penncbio.bsky.social @penncancer.bsky.social @rtaatpennmed.bsky.social

www.pennmedicine.org/news/maximiz...

Thank you @pennmedicine.bsky.social for highlighting my journey and this recognition.I'm honored to received the 2026 @asbmb.bsky.social Ruth Kirschstein Award for Maximizing Access in Science. — rooted in a vision to remove barriers and ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute to science.

Congratulations to the Brady Lab!

Join us in celebrating the #ASBMB26 Award Winners!
• @abu-remaileh.bsky.social
• Suzanne Barbour
• @bradylabupenn.bsky.social
• George Carman
• Joseph Cotruvo
• Roger Davis
• @rolanddunbrack.bsky.social
• Pamela Mertz
• @olzmannlab.bsky.social
• Kim Orth
• Margaret Phillips
ow.ly/x05f50WSbax

Congratulations to @bradylabupenn.bsky.social (@penncbio.bsky.social/ @rtaatpennmed.bsky.social), recipient of the 2026 @asbmb.bsky.social Ruth Kirschstein Award for Maximizing Access in Science! tinyurl.com/6w7n3uzx

🎉Brady Lab is 10! A decade of discovery & growth. This milestone belongs to the incredible trainees, collaborators, colleagues, & steadfast friends & family who’ve fueled our journey every step. On to the next chapter @pennmedicine.bsky.social @penncbio.bsky.social @rtaatpennmed.bsky.social 💙

As Faculty Director of @rtaatpennmed.bsky.social, I’m proud to affirm our values that shape our education, training & outreach commitments. Juneteenth reminds us that progress is ongoing—and our work must be rooted in respect, access, & opportunity for all. #Juneteenth

My buddy hard at work on his experiments! There’s nothing quite as pure as the excitement he feels learning through play.

Check out the first preprint from @drariav.bsky.social lab!

Hey y'all! My department is conducting a search for an assistant or associate professor in bacteriology. It's pretty broadly defined. If you know anyone who's looking for a great department that does awesome science - please send them our way! You can DM me with any questions you have 😀

Proud to see ASBMB joining other scientific societies in support of the MOSAIC programs!

#RedoxBio25 Announcement! 🚨
Exciting opportunity for early career researchers! 🎉We have complimentary registrations available!
Don't miss out - apply now! ➡️ bit.ly/4cSV0qZ

Please help spread the word: @ishahjain.bsky.social @bradylabupenn.bsky.social @naama-kanarek.bsky.social @liron1bar-peled.bsky.social @lydiafinley.bsky.social

Unraveling oncogenesis: What makes cancer tick? Learn about the ASBMB 2025 symposium on oncogenic hubs: chromatin regulatory and transcriptional complexes in cancer.

For the upcoming #ASBMB25 symposia on oncogenic hubs, organizers Cigall Kadoch and Greg Wang selected a diverse array of speakers who study the role of molecular condensates, extrachromosomal DNA, chromatin regulatory machinery, epigenetics and more in #cancer.
www.asbmb.org/asbmb-...

Exploring lipid metabolism: A journey through time and innovation Recent lipid metabolism research has unveiled critical insights into lipid–protein interactions, offering potential therapeutic targets for metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Check out the latest in lipid science at the ASBMB annual meeting.

New #lipidmetabolism research is shedding light on crucial lipid–protein interactions, revealing promising therapeutic targets for both metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Discover the latest breakthroughs in lipid science at the ASBMB Annual Meeting: http://ow.ly/qUPE50V....

Making Every Penny Count: Kinase Signaling Transduction, Copper Homeostasis, & Nutrient Sensing I am the Harrison McCrea Dickson, MD, and Clifford C. Baker, MD Presidential Associate Professor of Cancer Biology at the University of Pennsylvania P…

Several months ago, I was honored to be invited by JMB Editor-in-Chief Mike Summers to write a Perspective for the Pioneers in Molecular Biology special issue. It was a chance to reflect on the journey that led me here. You can read the pieces here: tinyurl.com/2pb967u9 & tinyurl.com/kkwfynt2

"Structural biology of proteins and subcellular structures" designed by Breann Brown & Christopher Barnes

"Synthetic biology" organized by Vatsan Raman & Danielle Tullman–Ercek.

"New frontiers in enzyme and pseudoenzyme research" selected by Shanta Hinton & Vincent Tagliabracci.

"Oncogenic hubs: Chromatin regulatory and transcriptional complexes in cancer" created by Cigall Kadoch & Greg Wang.

"RNA biology" assembled by Sergej Djuranovic & Olivia Rissland

"Metabolism and biosynthesis" handpicked by @lydiafinley.bsky.social & Gerta Hoxha.

"Metals of life: From microbes to medicine" tailored by Amit Reddi & Sabeeha Merchant.

"Molecular movement and compartmentalization — Contacts, transporters and nanodomains" crafted by Nora Kory & Tim Levine

"Chemical tools to reveal new biology" curated by @gburslem.bsky.social & @davidlabmsk.bsky.social.

"Interorganellar signaling and communication" designed by Navdeep Chandel & Isha Jain.

"Lipids and membranes" selected by @judisimcox.bsky.social & @gerryhammond.bsky.social

Scientific symposia

The #ASBMB2025 meeting will feature 11 scientific symposia. Meet the organizers for each symposia & topics here: www.asbmb.org/annual-meeti...