University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · BiologyVerhey Transport Lab
Kristen J. Verhey · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Research Focus
Dr. Kristen J. Verhey leads a research lab at the University of Michigan focusing on how microtubules and kinesin motor proteins help cells transport materials. By studying the mechanics of these molecular motors, the lab aims to learn how defects in this transport system can lead to diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. The research combines various techniques to better understand the proteins and transport processes critical for cell function.
microtubuleskinesin motorsintracellular transportneurodegenerative diseasescell biology
Research Aims
5AIM 01Define the mechanisms by which kinesin motor proteins drive intracellular trafficking.
AIM 02Investigate the force-generating properties of different kinesins within cells.
AIM 03Explore how post-translational modifications of tubulin influence kinesin function.
AIM 04Examine the fate of kinesin motors after their transport duties are completed.
AIM 05Assess the impact of motor stepping on the microtubule structure.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturebiochemical assaysmicroscopybiophysical analysisprotein purification
Output against the department
Publications156top 43% of dept.447th of 1,033
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations10ktop 36% of dept.372nd of 1,033
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.