Molecular structure and function
The Molecular Structure and Function Theme studies the molecular aspects of protein-ligand interactions in the broadest sense. Our research focuses on a fundamental understanding of the molecular processes of Life, especially those involved in health and disease. The Theme's interests range from extremophile enzyme stability and catalysis to the elemental processes involved in inflammation, immunity (innate and adaptive) and neurodegenerative diseases.
Expertise in the Theme encompasses molecular biology, enzymology, biotechnology, x-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance, isothermal calorimetry, and structure-based drug design. The Molecular Structure and Function Research Theme has strong links with other departments, including Pharmacy & Pharmacology and Chemistry.
Molecular structure and function research theme membership
Professor Ravi Acharya
Structure-function studies of molecules involved in disease processes
Dr Stefan Bagby
Structure and function of proteins involved in organ size control and stem cell self-maintenance, memory and bacterial infections
Professor David Brown
Metal binding proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases
Dr Jim Caunt
Mitogen activated protein kinases and phosphatases in cell signalling
Dr Hazel Corradi
Teaching Fellow
Dr Susan Crennell
Structure and function of saccharide-degrading enzymes in virulence and biotechnology
Professor Michael Danson
Structure, stability and biotechnological applications of enzymes from extremophilic organisms
Dr Jean van den Elsen
Structure and function of proteins involved in microbial infection and immunity
Dr Makoto Furutani-Seiki
in vivo analysis of fish modeling human diseases and regeneration
Professor Geoff Holman
Insulin signalling to glucose transporter subcellular trafficking
Dr David Hough
Structure, stability and biotechnological applications of enzymes from extremophilic organisms
Dr Ruth Massey
Host-pathogen interactions: Staphylococcus aureus and humans
Dr Nick Waterfield
Using invertebrate models to study the molecular basis of bacterial pathogenicity and how insect associated bacteria represent a reservoir for the evolution of emerging human pathogens
Dr Alan Wheals
Rapid molecular identification of yeasts of medical or commercial importance
Dr Paul Whitley
Molecular interactions in membrane trafficking
