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Protein science
Protein Science at Kent spans a broad range of research interests that build upon our long-standing international reputation in protein biochemistry and protein structure-function analysis. In some cases the methodologies involved span the full spectrum of approaches used in protein science, from organismal biology to NMR-based structural studies. There are also a number of very successful in-house cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Protein biochemistry
Members of the group have research programmes that address fundamental biological issues some of which have clinical relevance or are of relevance to the production of novel pharmaceuticals . We also investigate how proteins act within the complex cellular environment and to use both in vivo and in vitro methods to identify novel proteins that play key roles in specific cellular functions. The interests range from:
Protein structure-function analysis
Structural, biophysical and biochemical analysis of proteins in vitro is being used to reveal the detailed molecular mechanisms by which proteins function. NMR spectroscopy is used within the group. The interest range from:
Scientific highlights from members of this group over the last five years include:
- first description of how an enzyme is able to use the same active site for two distinct activities
- 3D NMR structure of a key protein implicated in tuberculosis pathogenesis
- first structural evidence that glycation, a major problem in diabetes, can influence local protein secondary structure
- 3D NMR structures for the PrP prion protein from sheep and turtles
- novel theory that non-muscle myosins are designed for a variety of uses (e.g. tension holding) and not simply motility
- demonstration that the distinct properties of yeast prion proteins (aggregation and propagation) are housed in separate domains
If you are interested in finding out more about protein science at Kent please contact the Group Co-ordinator
Members of the Protein Science Group are:
Professor Mike Geeves, Professor Martin Warren, Professor Mick Tuite, Dr Mark Howard, Dr Richard Williamson, Dr Mark Smales, Dr Tobias von der Haar, Dr Martin Carden, Dr Peter Klappa, Dr Jürgen Schmidt.