Of particular interest to my laboratory are protein recognition processes that mediate cell survival and cell death. The current research is focused on post-receptor signaling by the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, which play important roles in many biological processes, including cellular homeostasis, regulation of immune functions, inflammatory and acute phase responses, and fetal development. While many proteins have been identified in the TNFR signaling pathway, the molecular mechanisms by which they carry out their tasks are still poorly understood. We are using protein crystallography, in conjunction with biochemical, biophysical and cell biological methods, to understand this signaling process.