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Structural Biology
Basic molecular biophysics lies at the heart of these questions and is the focus of much of our efforts: investigations into the folding of proteins, assembly into larger structures, stability and dynamics, characterizing these properties in model systems. Challenging frontier areas include characterizations of the interactions between proteins and membranes, sugars or nucleic acids. Progress on these challenges often comes hand-in-hand with development of technology to better probe these biomolecules. With close association to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, particular emphases are magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry to analyze structure and dynamics. Other techniques include cryo-electron microscopy, x-ray crystallography, and computer simulation in a center shared with the School of Computational Science. Most of the research is fundamental, insights gained leading to biomedical advances in the distant future. Some applications are closer at hand, including investigations to improve vitamin C production, to improve inhibitors of proteases involved in cancer metastasis, or to re-engineer viruses for the efficient delivery of gene therapies to those with inherited disorders. The Structural Biology Program consists of 15 core and 25 allied research groups. Eight research groups, four core facilities and the molecular biophysics graduate program call the Institute's Kasha Laboratory their home, while others are located in the associated Departments of Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Mathematics and Physics.
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850/644-4764
Biological
macromolecules are the focus of the Institute's research -
their form, function, interactions and mechanism of
action. Fundamental questions drive our efforts: How
is chemical energy converted into motion in the molecular
motors of muscle? How are the chemical reactions in
our bodies catalyzed by proteins and newly-discovered RNA
enzymes?
