David J. Kast, PhD
Assistant Professor of Cell Biology & Physiology
- Phone: 314-273-1853
- Email: kast@wustl.edu
Research Interests
Biogenesis and dynamics of intracellular membrane compartments; molecular mechanisms and regulation of cytoskeleton and membrane interactions.
Professional Education
- BS: University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, 2000, Physics
- MS: University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, 2004, Physics
- PhD: University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, 2010, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
- Postdoc: Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 2011-2017, Physiology
Graduate & Fellowship Program Affiliations
Links
Kast Lab
South Building (MS: 8228-0003-04)
314-273-1854
kast@wustl.edu
Imaging | Structural Biology | Metabolism | Organelle Contacts | Trafficking | Cytoskeleton
The Kast lab is investigating how cells remodel their metabolism in response to nutritional and environmental challenges. We are specifically interested in understanding the mechanisms cells employ to regulate the spatial-temporal arrangements and activities of metabolic compartments, such as lipid droplets, autophagosomes, and mitochondria, to meet the transient energy demands of the cell; as well as how perturbing these organelle networks contributes to pathogenesis of metabolic diseases and cancer. To study these processes, we use a multi-level approach that combines mass-spectrometry-based proteomics, cutting-edge microscopy, structural biology, and in vitro reconstitution assays