# English Lab (University of Utah)

**Type:** source
**Status:** Useful
**Confidence:** Medium
**Source Type:** University Page
**URL:** https://www.english.biochem.utah.edu
**Publisher:** University of Utah, Department of Biochemistry
**Accessed:** 2026-06-19
**Updated:** 2026-06-19

## Summary

The English Lab website at the University of Utah Department of Biochemistry describes a research group focused on molecular tools for cell signaling, G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) pharmacology, and mammalian directed evolution. The lab invented the VEGAS platform and maintains a dedicated VEGAS page with workshop signup and Addgene distribution links.

## Useful Claims

- Lab mission: create and apply molecular tools to control and understand human health and disease.
- Research combines directed evolution, protein engineering, and pharmacology/biochemistry.
- VEGAS (Viral Evolution of Genetically Actuated Sequences) is described as a mammalian directed-evolution method invented by Justin English; components are available through Addgene.
- The lab runs a VEGAS Workshop for collaborators with protocols, issue resolution, and new implementations.
- Research areas include expanding VEGAS selection paradigms, engineering nanobody libraries to modulate endogenous GPCRs, and GPCR pharmacogenomics — mapping how human GPCR variants alter responses to FDA-approved drugs.
- Research page states directed-evolution methods historically used yeast and bacteria, but tools developed in those systems often have limited translatable value in mammalian backgrounds; VEGAS was invented to address that gap.

## Reliability Notes

University lab website — reliable for research focus, PI affiliation, and platform description. It does not confirm Evolution Bio corporate structure, funding, pharma partnerships, or current commercial offerings. A separate company website for Evolution Bio was not identified during intake; discovery-evolution.com may represent a rebrand or related entity and requires separate verification.

## Related Pages

- [Evolution Bio](evolution-bio.md)