Conversion of genetic information into functional protein products requires the proper folding of polypeptide chains in the crowded intracellular environment.  Disruption of these folding pathways through either environmental or genetic factors is associated with numerous human diseases collectively referred to as protein misfolding diseases.  Using a combined cell biological and biophysical approach, work in the Wiseman lab is directed towards understanding the physical, chemical, and biological factors that dictate protein folding in vivo to identify novel therapeutic targets to ameliorate protein misfolding disorders.