Lyon Lab

Purdue Science
Purdue University

Welcome to the Lyon Lab!

Cardiovascular disease is a growing problem worldwide and the leading cause of death in the United States. Phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes, in particular PLCβ and PLCε, are essential for normal cardiovascular function. These proteins generate second messengers that regulate the concentration of intracellular calcium and the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Dysregulation of calcium levels and PKC activity can result in cardiovascular diseases and heart failure. A new direction of research being explored is to understand how PLCε also functions as a tumor suppressor in certain cancers. 
We use an innovative combination of electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, and small angle X-ray scattering, to gain structural insights into PLC regulation and activation. Structure-based hypotheses are validated through functional assays and cell-based assays, and ultimately whole animal studies. Our studies will aid in the identification and development of novel chemical probes that could be used to study the roles of PLCs in disease and serve as lead compounds for new therapeutics in cardiovascular disease and cancer.