Protein Dynamics and Kinetic Crystallography

Protein dynamics is the study of the conformational motions responsible for biological function and the underlying physics. We use UV/Vis/IR spectroscopy in concert with cryogenic techniques and X-ray crystallography to study the structural foundations of protein reactions. Knowledge of the three-dimensional structures of intermediates in protein-ligand reactions helps us understand the way proteins work and provides the groundwork for manipulating and controlling biomolecules. This can potentially impact many fields, including mechanism-based drug design and bioremediation.