Molecular Biophysics
We employ an array of techniques to understand how molecular systems
function. Our approaches are primarily biophysical, which means we use physical
chemistry, physics and computational methods to study biological systems. We are
a cohesive group that work on a range of interests.
Key Research Topics:
Metalloproteins
Metal ions play a central role in many
biological processes. Transition metals such as iron and copper are amongst the
most abundant and are often found as co-factors in proteins with myriad
functions. We use an array of spectroscopic techniques including EPR as well as
structural methods to understand mechanistic and functional aspects of haem and
copper containing proteins and enzymes
Peptide Interactions
Using a variety of biophysical techniques we study how peptides and proteins
interact. In addition we use in vivo selection technologies to
determine ways to ablate such interactions. This is particularly important in
peptide diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
GPCRs
G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) are one of the most important families of drug targets.
Using receptors such as rhodopsin as model systems,
we use biophysical and computational methods to examine structure, activation and misfolding in GPCRs
Single Molecule Protein Dynamics
We have developed novel techniques to study how proteins interact with each
other and their substrate at the single molecule level. We observe the processes
of DNA repair, Parkinson's Disease and muscle motor activation in real time one
molecule at a time. This approach offers unrivalled clarity since the noise of
the ensemble is not present.
Associated Centres