Christal Sohl, Ph.D.

Close up of Christal Sohl

Pronouns: she, her
Associate Professor of Biochemistry | M.S. and M.A. Advisor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Biochemistry
College of Sciences

SDSU

Email

Primary Email: [email protected]

Phone/Fax

Primary Phone: 619-594-2039

Building/Location

Chemical Sciences Laboratory - 328
5500 Campanile Dr
San Diego, CA 92182

Website Links

Bio

In the Sohl lab, we are interested in probing mechanistic questions at the intersection of biochemistry and human disease. We use kinetic, structural, and cellular tools to address how altered enzyme activity impacts human health. In particular, we are interested in exploring the catalytic, structural and functional consequences of enzyme mutations implicated in diseases such as cancer. By understanding these molecular mechanisms of dysfunction, we can illuminate structure-function relationships, identify affected downstream pathways and ultimately develop platforms for targeted therapy. Students in the Sohl lab will gain interdisciplinary expertise in biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics, including pre-steady-state kinetics, X-ray crystallography, spectroscopy, recombinant technology and cellular methods in a collaborative environment.

Areas of Specialization

Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Pre-Steady-State Kinetics, X-Ray Crystallography, Spectroscopy, Recombinant Technology

Courses

  • CHEM 100 Introduction to Chemistry
  • CHEM 160 Introductory Biochemistry
  • CHEM 362 Confronting Cancer
  • CHEM 365 Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology
  • CHEM 560 Biochemistry
  • CHEM 695 Graduate Education in Chemistry and Biochemistry
  • CHEM 765 Molecular Mechanisms of Disease

Research

Atomic to in vivo Discoveries of Tumor-Driving Metabolic Enzymes 

We strive to combat cancer by asking mechanistic questions at the intersection of biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology, and -omics technologies. 

By understanding the molecular mechanisms of enzyme dysfunction, we can illuminate structure-function relationships, probe cellular consequences of enzyme activity, and identify new drug targets.

Discoveries in our lab are driven by our team of curious, kind, and hard-working undergraduate, Master’s, and Ph.D. students. We value our collaborative and supportive lab culture. Our graduates head off to Ph.D. programs, and to careers in biotech industries and academia.

I am a fierce advocate for broadening access to STEM and STEM careers. The best science is performed by teams with a variety of experiences and perspectives. Psychology research has shown that such teams make higher impact scientific discoveries, are better at solving complex problems, are more innovative, and generate more revenue (to name just a few!)

 Scientific overview graphic titled “The molecular mechanisms of tumor-driving IDH1 and IDH2 mutations.” It shows a research team, a central DNA mutation diagram highlighting IDH1 and IDH2 mutation sites, and research icons representing biochemical, cellular, in vivo, kinetic, structural, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, lipidomic, and metabolomic approaches used to study cancer-driving IDH mutations.

IDH as a Driver of Human Cancer

Altered catalytic activity can result from mutation, amplification, post-translational modification, and genetic- and microenvironmental-based regulation. This can represent creative ways to survive and thrive in rapidly changing cellular conditions, but also can lead to the development of diseases like cancer. Using biochemical, biophysical, cellular, microscopy, and -omics methods, we can understand how changes in enzyme catalysis can maintain health…or lead to disease. 

Our lab focuses on metabolic enzymes such as isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and IDH2, which can acquire mutations that can lead to cancers of the brain (glioma), blood (acute myeloid leukemia), connective tissue (chondrosarcoma). Many IDH1 and IDH2 mutations have the potential to confer both oncogenic and tumor suppressive properties, resulting in the neomorphic production of an oncometabolite. A mechanistic understanding of how these mutations change enzyme function provides a critical foundation for understanding cancer.

Motivation / Identity

We also play a collaborative role on social psychology research spearheaded by Prof. Dustin Thoman. Here we seek to broaden the participation and culture of students’ experiences in the research lab by studying the effects on Mentor/PI messaging on students’ motivation and sense of belonging.

Find out More

Read more about our work below, check out our publications here, and follow our scientific adventures on Instagram and LinkedIn.