Brian Miller | Homepage
Assistant Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry
Research Interests
Recent advances in DNA sequencing and genome biology are ushering in a new era in the biological sciences. The genomic sequences of more than 180 distinct organisms have been completed within the last decade. Contained within these genomes are an estimated 106 genes, many of which code for proteins with unknown biological functions. Many of these newly uncovered polypeptides could serve as useful targets for the development of novel therapeutics. Unfortunately, the rate of assigning functions to new gene products pales in comparison to the rapidity with which sequence information is added to existing databases.
The goal of our research program is to utilize modern techniques in bacterial genetics, molecular biology and protein biochemistry to elucidate the molecular functions of newly discovered gene products. Once identified, these polypeptides are subjected to detailed mechanistic investigations to reveal the fundamental chemical principles that govern their biological activity. Three central questions provide the framework for our scientific explorations - How do proteins catalyze the chemical transformations that are required for life? How do proteins evolve new catalytic activities to overcome biological "bottlenecks"? How do proteins control the nucleation and templated synthesis of inorganic materials?