Structural characterization of macromolecular assemblies at the atomic level

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Developing cures for diseases requires an understanding of how they work. We know, for example, that bacteria must penetrate the membranes of cells to cause infection, but we do not know much about the underlying mechanisms. Which part of the membrane serves as the entry point? Why are some membranes vulnerable while others are not? By answering these kinds of questions, we can take the first steps towards designing drugs capable of blocking these processes. Structural biology aids this project by providing pictures of parts of cells. This is done through the use of experimental techniques such as cryogenic electron microscopy, a method whereby cell components are frozen and then bombarded with electrons, yielding an image of the sample. Though such techniques have led to great discoveries, there are significant limitations to what they can accomplish. The pictures they provide are usually only partial, leaving us with significant gaps in our knowledge. My research aims to overcome this gap. Working with the electron microscopy group at Birkbeck college, I develop computational methods to complement experimental techniques. The project focuses on three diseases-pneumonia, herpes, and Alzheimer‘s-and we use computer modelling to pull together information from a variety of experimental sources to construct clearer and more complete images of the crucial cellular components and processes at work in these diseases.