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Molecular Biophysics & Structural Biology

Researchers in this area study the structure and physical properties of biomolecules, often using methods such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, laser spectroscopy, and single-molecule spectroscopy.

Molecular Biophysics

Researchers in this area study the physical properties of biomolecules, including their stability, dynamics and the physical changes they undergo throughout their functional cycles. Techniques used by this group include atomic force microscopy, calorimetry, laser spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, molecular dynamics simulations, NMR, single-molecule spectroscopy, voltage clamp electrophysiology, and X-ray crystallography. Amyloid formation, ion channel function, histone dynamics, polymerase motion, and protein folding and conformational changes are some of the target areas of study.

Faculty with interests in this area include:

Structural Biology

Researchers in this area use techniques such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and mass spectrometry to visualize the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules, preferably at atomic resolution. The structural information is used to design experiments to evaluate mechanistic models for how the target molecules carry out their functions. Particular areas of interest include protein-RNA complexes, DNA repair enzymes, and cell surface receptors.

Faculty with interests in this area include: