Molecular Motors

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Molecular motors are used by cells to control their internal layout, to transport cargoes, to change shape and to move. We will construct artificial molecular machines in order to study the mechanisms and functions of molecular motors, to understand their physical principles, and to develop new technologies for nanoscale molecular systems. The project is based on techniques for molecular-scale construction using DNA. DNA is a wonderful material with which to build: by exploiting the base-pairing interactions that hold together the DNA double helix, it is possible to control the way in which short, synthetic strands of DNA assemble to form complex three-dimensional objects. It is even possible to make these structures move. We will create all-synthetic molecular motors from DNA, using design principles based on the mechanisms of motor proteins. We will also create hybrid machines consisting of natural motor proteins linked to artificial DNA templates. We will use these structures to perform functions that are inspired by the molecular machinery of the cell and to explore the ways in which motors and their tracks can be designed to interact to create complex structures and movements. This project we will provide career development opportunities and interdisciplinary training in research at the physics / life sciences interface for postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.