YSM Issue 90.2

FACULTY PROFILE
ALANNA SCHEPARTZ
HER PATH TO SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
►BY DHRUVA GUPTA
Alanna Schepartz, professor of Chemistry and of Molecular, Cellular,
and Developmental Biology (MCDB), has combined her knowledge
from the fields of biology and chemistry in her current research, which
may revolutionize our understanding of the roles chemistry plays in biological
functions. Having studied at Columbia and Caltech, Schepartz
arrived at Yale in 1988 and has since been named the Milton Harris ’29
Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry along with a full-appointment in MCDB.
Now, Schepartz’s work focuses primarily on how proteins encode information
to influence functions inside the cell.
From the beginning, Schepartz’s family was involved in the fields of
science and mathematics. Her mother, a gifted mathematician, was part
of a team at Merrill Lynch that developed a computer program (known
as the “Million Dollar Baby”) capable of processing complex financial
operations in a matter of minutes. Meanwhile, her father, an enthused
geologist, had a hobby of collecting minerals and rocks from various locations
and often encouraged the family to join his road trips. Thus, at
an early age, Schepartz was exposed to various disciplines and decided
to explore more areas.
When Schepartz enrolled in SUNY Albany for undergraduate studies,
she was unsure about her career path. Not until sophomore year
did Schepartz realize her passion, when she took Introduction to Organic
Chemistry. “To me, it was just like a puzzle ready to be solved,”
said Schepartz. She had a firm understanding of organic concepts and
performed very well in the class. Schepartz performed so well that she
was invited to conduct research at a SUNY Albany lab during the summer
after sophomore year. Upon graduating, her colleagues at the lab
presented her with a departing gift: a red plaid briefcase with ‘Professor
Alanna’ inscribed on the side. “It was more influential than I had originally
thought,” admitted Schepartz. The moment persuaded Schepartz
to choose chemistry as a career; however, her path experienced a turning
point at Columbia.
Entering graduate school, Schepartz felt unqualified. “Everyone there
had better preparation than I did,” disclosed Schepartz. Nonetheless, she
still enjoyed her time and delved into her research. One Sunday night
while Schepartz was working in the lab, her advisor Ronald Breslow
stopped by to pick up some items before he left for a research trip abroad.
He asked Schepartz, “What would you like to do with your life?” and
Schepartz replied that she was still undecided. In response, Breslow said,
“You should consider teaching at a great institution,” and proceeded to
name a couple of well-known colleges including UC Berkeley and Yale.
His encouraging comment went a long way: Despite initially being behind
her colleagues, Schepartz was honored by his belief in her and was
thus motivated to pursue a chemistry career in academia.
IMAGE COURTESY OF ALANNA SCHEPARTZ
►Alanna Schepartz is the Milton Harris ‘29 Ph.D. Professor of
Chemistry and Professor of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental
Biology at Yale
As of now, Schepartz is conducting experiments that intertwine concepts
from chemistry and biology. Her latest research focuses on how
protein receptors in a cell membrane can identify the target molecules,
or ligands, that bind to it. One such ligand known as the Epidermal
Growth Factor (EGF) binds to its corresponding receptor and activates
signal transduction pathways inside the cell that stimulate growth.
When mutated, EGFR can cause cells to grow uncontrollably and form
tumors, contributing to numerous human cancers. Scientists have previously
attempted to halt EGFR activity by applying inhibitors in one
of two ways: either targeting the active site where EGF binds to EGFR
or obstructing catalytic Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) from binding
to the intracellular domain of EGFR. In her lab, Schepartz is developing
a new method to control mutant EGFR. Activated EGFR has an altered
conformation (otherwise known as coiled-coil formation). Disrupting
this altered conformation subsequently prevents EGFR from
becoming active, thus halting cell growth.
Throughout her career, Schepartz has followed her passion in
chemistry and STEM. Futhermore, Schepartz’s persistence and determination
has allowed her to reach her position as an esteemed
researcher in both chemistry and biology.
www.yalescientific.org
March 2017
Yale Scientific Magazine
37