Sunyia Hussain

Protein Sciences

-Lead complex membrane protein target production for multiple antibody drug discovery programs for a range of indications -Consistently deliver high-quality challenging proteins under tight deadlines by implementing strategic workflows and adopting cutting-edge techniques. -Provide critical antigen reagents across the entire therapeutic antibody discovery pipeline for 7 internal programs spanning initial discovery, lead optimization, and final characterization of potential development candidate -Represent AbCellera's Boston site on global, cross-functional discovery teams -Contribute to new target proposals and strategic project planning Key achievements: -We can develop successful protocols for new targets within a month's timeframe by integrating innovations such as next-generation surfactants for membrane protein stabilization and higher-throughput screening. -Methods established for antigen purification and stabilization accelerated cryoEM structure determination such that membrane protein-Fab complexes were solved at resolutions as high as 2.1 Å for 3 ion channel and transporter targets within <6 months.

Facilitated the successful integration of TetraGenetics' protein biochemistry capabilities into AbCellera's antibody discovery platform, building out the team to include 6 researchers (Associate Research Scientists and Research Scientists) who specialize in membrane protein purification and stabilization, structural biology (cryoEM), antibody characterization, cell-based assays, and flow cytometry.

Led the Protein Biochemistry Group, managing a team of 3 scientists while optimizing methods to produce milligram-scale quantities of stabilized membrane proteins for antibody discovery programs (10 targets in total). Key achievements: -Successfully delivered 5 challenging membrane protein targets (ion channels/GPCRs) to external partners for discovery initiatives -Expanded company's protein production capabilities beyond membrane proteins to include antibodies and soluble proteins

-Developed novel protocols to purify and stabilize complex membrane proteins (ion channels, GPCRs, and transporters) produced using a unique microbial expression platform at TetraGenetics. The challenging targets we worked on are among the most intractable, yet play critical roles in autoimmune diseases, pain, cancer, and neurological disorders. -Mentored junior researchers, providing guidance in lab techniques and scientific decision-making.

-Developed innovative biochemical assays to reconstitute bacterial membrane protein folding in vitro, generating mechanistic insights with potential applications for the development of novel antibiotics. -Contributed to the publication of 5 peer-reviewed scientific articles. -Participated in comprehensive training programs including a Biophysical Methods Bootcamp and a Pre-Clinical Development Workshop from the National Center for Advancement of Translational Sciences (NCATS)

Designed methods to integrate lipid membranes and proteins into an optical tweezers system, enabling single-molecule force measurements of biological processes.

My PhD research focused on understanding transmembrane proteins, the essential gatekeepers of the cell. Through biophysical studies, I explored the dynamic interactions between these receptors and their environment—including lipid membranes, other proteins, and water molecules. These insights enhanced our understanding of GPCRs, which are critical drug targets, and were also leveraged to develop an innovative solar energy harvesting material using microbial rhodopsin. During this time, I also discovered my love for mentoring and collaboration. I had the privilege of mentoring 6 undergraduates and 2 graduate students, which not only enriched my research experience but also contributed to the growth of the scientific community.