Molecular Biophysics and Structural Biology is a dynamic field that integrates advanced technologies to unveil the intricacies of biomolecular structures and their functions. Our department utilizes cutting-edge techniques such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Cryo-Electron Microscopy to elucidate the three-dimensional arrangements of proteins and nucleic acids at atomic resolution. We also employ X-ray Crystallography and Protein Crystallography to analyze the structures of macromolecules, providing crucial insights into their functional mechanisms. Fluorescence Spectroscopy allows for the investigation of molecular interactions in real-time, while Plasmon-Controlled Fluorescence enhances our ability to study biomolecular dynamics with unprecedented sensitivity. Furthermore, Radiative Decay Engineering offers innovative approaches to manipulate light at the nanoscale, facilitating the development of novel biosensors and imaging techniques. By combining these powerful methods, our research fosters a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of biological processes, paving the way for advancements in drug discovery, disease treatment, and the design of novel biomaterials.
Faculty
Alexander Drohat, PhD
Keywords: DNA Repair, Epigenetics and DNA methylation, Enzymology, NMR, Structural biology, SUMO modification
Jonathan Fay, PhD
Keywords: Membrane protein, Structure, Structural biology, cryo-EM, GPCR
Saif Hasan, PhD
Keywords: Cryo-Electron microscopy, Infectious Viruses, Inter-organelle trafficking, Membrane proteins, Protein secretion, Structural biology, Vesicular trafficking, Viral structures, X-ray crystallography
Erick Hernandez-Ochoa, MD, PhD
Keywords: Excitability, Calcium signals, Voltage-gated ion channels, Neurons, Skeletal muscle cells, Calcium channel regulation, Calcium dysregulation, Pathophysiology of diabetes, Skeletal muscle diseases
Joseph Lakowicz, PhD
Keywords: Fluorescence spectroscopy, Radiative decay engineering, Plasmon-controlled fluorescence
Edvin Pozharskiy, PhD
Keywords: Protein crystallography, Cryo-electron microscopy, Structure-based drug design, Biomolecular recognition
Krishanu Ray, PhD
Keywords: Single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, Super-resolution imaging, HIV envelope, Fc gamma receptor, DNA packaging motor, Plasmonics
David Weber, PhD
Keywords: Calcium-signaling, Tumor suppression & Cancer biology, Structural biology
Gerald Wilson, PhD
Keywords: Gene expression, RNA turnover, RNA-binding proteins, Fluorescence spectroscopy, Tumor progression, Inflammatory mediators, Lipoprotein receptors, High-throughput drug screening, Assay development