Faculty

John Weldon

Assistant Professor

Research Interests:

I am broadly interested in protein function and behavior at a molecular level, and how we can manipulate the behavior of proteins through directed engineering and external modulators. My research uses techniques from molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to examine the control of protein synthesis by bacterial toxins.

I am particularly interested in the intracellular trafficking of Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE) and PE-based toxin conjugates, the unique diphthamide target of PE, and the use of conjugate molecules therapeutically.

Recent Publications:

Liu, W., M. Onda, C. Kim, L. Xiang, J.E. Weldon, B. Lee, & I. Pastan. 2012. A recombinant immunotoxin engineered for increased stability by adding a disulfide bond has decreased immunogenicity. Protein Eng Des Sel 25:1-6.

Weldon, J. E. & I. Pastan. 2011. A guide to taming a toxin: recombinant immunotoxins constructed from Pseudomonas exotoxin A for the treatment of cancer. FEBS J 278: 4683-4700.

Hansen, J. K., J. E. Weldon, L. Xiang, R. Beers, M. Onda, & I. Pastan. 2010. A recombinant immunotoxin targeting CD22 with low immunogenicity, low nonspecific toxicity, and high antitumor activity in mice. J Immunother 33: 297-304.