Dr. Donita C. Brady of Brady Lab UPenn
bradylabupenn.bsky.social
Dr. Donita C. Brady of Brady Lab UPenn
@bradylabupenn.bsky.social
Presidential Associate Professor of Cancer Biology
@Penn_CBIO & Asst. Dean @RTAatPennMed @PennMedicine. Posts her own.✊🏾🏳️‍🌈
www.cell.com
September 27, 2025 at 3:27 PM
www.cell.com
September 27, 2025 at 3:26 PM
By mutating PERK’s copper-binding sites, researchers made cells & worms hypersensitive to stress. ➡️ Copper availability literally decides survival vs. death.
September 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Cells use metals like copper as molecular switches. Understanding this could open new ways to target stress responses in cancer, neurodegeneration & beyond.
September 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM
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.
September 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM
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.
September 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM
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
September 24, 2025 at 1:10 AM
Reposted by Dr. Donita C. Brady of Brady Lab UPenn