Michael Bergman
Assistant Professor
Biography
The primary focus of my research is characterizing the chemical and biophysical properties of lens crystallins. These features are directly connected to their stability properties and classification as extremely long-lived proteins. Consequently, when they are altered through aging, they result in protein aggregation in the form of cataracts. Through interdisciplinary approaches combining analytical, chemical, computational, and materials-based methods, it is possible to explore these challenging spaces in protein chemistry. My goal is first to improve our understanding of the molecular pathology behind cataracts. My secondary goal is to outline principles that confer long-term, native stability through protein assembly mechanisms for applications in medicine, drug development, and biomaterials.
Scholarship
Selected Publications:
Bergman, M.R., Hernandez, S.A., Deffler, C., Yeo, J., Deravi, L.F. (2023). Design and characterization of model systems that promote and disrupt transparency of vertebrate crystallins in vitro. Advanced Science 10(35)
Bergman, M.R. & Deravi, L.F. (2022). Manipulating Polydispersity of Lens β-crystallins using Divalent Cations. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 119(48)