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A colorful protein structure: a tube and wires model overlaid with a faint translucent space filling model.
BMB PhD Program Research Themes

Biophysics and Structural Biology

A key to understanding the molecular bases of biological processes is understanding the structure-function relationships of proteins and macromolecular assemblies. Our faculty use a variety of structural biology and biophysical techniques to understand the forces that affect the assembly and function of protein-protein, protein-nucleic acid, and other macromolecular structures that form inside cells. 

The faculty below have a particular focus in this area. For other major themes, visit our program scope page.

Scott Bailey

Exploring structure and function

James Berger

James M. Berger

Structural mechanisms of molecular machines

Danfeng Cai

Danfeng (Dani) Cai

Imaging transcription and cellular organization

Jennifer Kavran

Jennifer Kavran

Hippo signaling & protein kinases

Sean Prigge

Sean Prigge

Metabolic pathways in malaria parasites 

Photini Sinnis

Photini Sinnis

Malaria: cell biology & transmission dynamics 

Denis Wirtz

Denis Wirtz

New cell therapies for cancer and auto-immune diseases