We investigate how proteins are built from mRNA instructions, and how they function together. By understanding the complex signals that determine what, where and when proteins are made, as well as how the resulting protein shape and interactions relate to function, we are better able to understand various disease pathways. This knowledge can be applied in biotechnology to the production of proteins useful for various industries.
Evolution of protein structure, function and systems
We aim to understand how proteins function and evolve through analysis of their three-dimensional structures, interactions and larger systems. Current research includes analysis of sequence variants and their role in genetic disease, the evolution of viruses and changes in protein interactions and their networks. We use computational methods to study these biological problems.
We also have interactions with experimental groups, and so have a range of interdisciplinary projects.
Principal investigator: Professor Simon Lovell
Protein synthesis
We are interested in understanding the mechanism of protein synthesis initiation and its regulation in eukaryotic cells. We study the activities of translation factors and ribosome-binding proteins and how they are regulated by cellular stresses and in disease.
< Principal investigator: Professor Graham Pavitt
Coupling biophysical models to biology, with bioinformatics
Biophysics underpins many cellular processes, but the systems are too complex for complete models. Rather, we look for correlations between computed properties (in sequences and structures) and high throughput datasets, such as for post-translational modifications.
This strategy aids molecular understanding of biology and seeds predictive models. A parallel approach is proving valuable for an improved understanding of protein solubility.
Principal investigator: Dr Jim Warwicker
- Back to Protein and RNA fate