Protein-DNA interactions 
We aim to understand the factors that lead to the specific binding of proteins to DNA and the processing of the genetic information. We are currently studying the mechanism of single- versus double-strand cleavage central to the maintenance, repair and processing of the DNA. Understanding the detailed mechanism of DNA cleavage at the molecular level may help to interfere with pathogenic processes and aid in the design of new tools for gene therapy and molecular biology.Dr Vanamee is a member of the Zinc Finger Consortium that promotes research and development of engineered zinc finger and zinc finger nuclease technology for use in gene targeting. Cell Signaling and Apoptosis We are interested in the mechanism of programmed cell death by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) via its two receptors, TNFR1 and TNFR2.
We are also interested in understanding the mechanism by which Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) modulates the immune response and its beneficial role in autoimmunity.
Methods X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and other biophysical and biochemical methods CollaboratorsPatricia Cortes, PhD Mount Sinai School of Medicine Denise L. Faustman, M.D. Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Keith J. Joung, MD, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Edward Schuchman, Ph.D., Mount Sinai School of Medicine Shuang-Yong Xu, Ph.D. New England Biolabs
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