Research Summary

We investigate structural mechanisms of signaling and regulation in protein complexes. We use MD simulations to determine how conformational dynamics of proteins are altered in different functional states. A broad range of biochemical and structural techniques are also employed. Combined, these allow us to carefully elucidate molecular mechanisms that govern the regulation of protein function. By understanding how proteins are regulated endogenously, we aim to identify novel strategies to selectively modulate protein function. Nuclear receptors are one of our favorite classes of molecules to study, because of the fascinatingly complex but elegant allosteric regulatory mechanisms that drive their function. They also play critical roles in metabolism, development, reproduction and other biological processes, which make them highly attractive therapeutic targets.