 |
      |
Protein Conformational Dynamics This project aims to gain new insight into the dynamics of proteins, ranging from large scale conformational changes, such as folding, to smaller, but biologically significant changes, such as enzyme activation. To achieve this goal, we are developing and refining an experimental technique that combines microfabrication with electromagnetic probes of macromolecular conformation. When fully developed, this technology will permit us to monitor conformational changes occurring within microseconds of their initiation. Both local and global structural information will be accessible by interfacing the mixers with laser and x-ray structural probes. The novelty of our approach is the ability to monitor kinetics on very short time scales. With lasers we anticipate microsecond-scale time resolution due to the small spatial extent of the laser probe beam. Rapid conformational dynamics of proteins are expected to occur on this time scale. < back |
