FACULTY PROFILE

Biophysics, With a Kick

BY RANDOLPH FILLMORE

Daniel Deredge, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC) at the School of Pharmacy, is always eager to talk about his dual passions — biophysics and soccer. Born in France and growing up in Ethiopia, his passion for science took a great leap when he came to the United States to study biochemistry at Louisiana State University, earning his Bachelor of Science in 2003 and his PhD in 2009.

“During my studies, I became very interested in how proteins move or come together to form complexes in a manner that is intimately tied to their function,” explains Deredge. “Proteins are important biomolecules that perform the majority of biochemical processes that are essential to life. Looking into protein structures, the dynamic motions of proteins, and their interactions with other biomolecules fascinated me.”

His interest in the structure and function of proteins laid a path for his interests in biophysics, which he defines as the application of physics to better understand biological phenomena.

Deredge joined the School of Pharmacy in 2012 as a postdoctoral fellow. In 2018, he continued his research focused on hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), first as a research assistant professor and now a tenure-track assistant professor. As the HDX-MS specialist in the School’s Mass Spectrometry Center, he uses mass spectrometry — an analytical approach that measures the mass of molecules — to monitor the extent of hydrogen-deuterium exchange when proteins are exposed to deuterium, a heavy isotope of hydrogen. Knowing the extent of hydrogens exchanged to deuterium helps researchers determine the structural and biophysical

characteristics of proteins, including their structure, dynamics, and protein-protein interactions. “HDX-MS is a great method for looking at protein structure and dynamics,” explains Deredge, who began applying HDX-MS during his first postdoctoral fellowship at Case Western Reserve University from 2010 to 2012, working with his mentor, Patrick Wintrode, PhD, who is now a faculty member in PSC. “Proteins are like sponges. They are very dynamic and undertake a lot of motion. Both water and proteins have hydrogen atoms and the application of HDX-MS to view the exchange of hydrogen atoms can help identify drug binding sites, protein-protein interactions, and the effects of mutations in protein structure and function.” Deredge and colleagues recently applied HDX-MS and computational approaches to investigate a protein (PhuS) from Daniel Deredge Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common multi-drug resistant bacteria often causing hospital-acquired infections. The integrative approach was used to investigate the dynamic properties of PhuS and its implication in its role binding heme, a source of iron for P. aeruginosa. Their work resulted in a study published in the Biophysical Journal in 2021. “I am fortunate to work in a very supportive environment with multiple faculty members whom I consider mentors and friends,” says Deredge. “That has helped me develop as a scientist and offers collaborative opportunities across many fields.” Deredge also serves as faculty advisor to the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Biophysical Society Student Chapter, which is devoted to supporting UMB students interested in biophysics and reaches out to local high schools and colleges to inspire future generations of biophysical scientists. When the research day is over, Deredge often applies his own “bio-physical” capabilities to his other passion — soccer. He is a member of various teams and leagues and travels throughout Maryland and as far as Virginia to take to the “pitch” on defense. “I have been playing soccer since before I can remember,” he says. “Beyond the physical exercise, I like the camaraderie and competitive spirit.” At the School of Pharmacy, Deredge has helped students and staff form soccer teams to participate in intramural UMB games. “Soccer is also very popular within the department,” says Deredge. “What more could I ask for?” b