Chemical biology, protein design and engineering, enzymology
The
amino acid sequence of a protein encodes its three-dimensional
structure, and this structure manifests itself in biological function.
Using techniques that range from synthetic chemistry to biochemistry to
cell biology, the Raines group is illuminating in atomic detail both
the chemical basis and the biological purpose for protein structure and
protein function. The efforts of the Raines group are leading to
insights into the relationship between amino acid sequence and protein
function (or dysfunction), as well as to the creation of novel
molecules with desirable properties.
The research
projects in the Raines laboratory are designed to reveal how biological
phenomena can be explained with the principles of chemistry. The
hypotheses are far-reaching, and testing them requires the use of
techniques and ideas from diverse disciplines. This broad/deep training
is appropriate for scientists who want to perform innovative and
meaningful research at the widening chemistry - biology interface.