overview | folding in the cell | co-translational | autotransporters | bio-materials

With our growing understanding of the fundamental forces that control protein structure and folding, there is increased interest in applying this knowledge to the development of protein-based materials and nano-machines. We are building upon our past studies of beta-helix structure and folding (see our publications) to manipulate the beta-helix into a structural scaffold for biotechnological applications. For example, we are currently testing our ability to re-design naturally-occurring beta-helical structures to make beta-helices of any desired length and/or sequence, to use as "building blocks" for bio-materials. Read more about these studies:

Bryan A.W., Starner-Kreinbrink J., Hosur R., Clark P.L. & Berger B. (2011) Structure-based prediction reveals capping motifs inhibit β-helix aggregation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 108:11099-11104. [PDF]