• A self-assembled protein nanotube

    Numerous ring-shaped proteins exist in nature. These can be modified so that they self-assembled into nanotubes, something we have already achieved with a protein called TRAP (pictured). Such tubes have numerous possible applications: as scaffolds for nanowire production, as drug delivery capsules, and as structural components of larger nanodevices. Development and modification of new protein nanotubes is now underway. (Image courtesy of Kenji Iwasaki)

  • Structural studies of proteins
    involved in recombination

    Genetic recombination is an incredibly important process in cells. Although intensely studied, much remains to discover. We are carrying out structural studies of recombinases which are of both academic and commercial interest using a range of techniques including electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray crystallography.

  • Protein-quantum dot systems for targeting living cells

    Quantum dots offer new imaging and analysis possibilities for staining and monitoring living cells. We are working on using proteins and other molecules to decorate and impart new functionality to quantum dots.

  • Protein-based meta-materials

    For meta-materials such as cloaking devices, programmable, nano-sized metallic shapes need to be produced and arrayed with high precision. We are currently working on ways to achieve this using modified proteins as scaffolds.

  • Protein-DNA devices

    Programmable DNA arrays, when combined with proteins, offer the possibility of unique structures and functionality. Biosensors that include the ability to carry out in situ calculations and movement in response to disease signals as well as the ability to interface with silicon technology are all areas of interest.

  • Topoisomerases, glycated proteins

    We have a long standing interest in the mechanism of action of topoisomerases such as DNA gyrase and topoisomerase II, which are also good drug targets. Separately, glycated proteins which are implicated in numerous age-related diseases and ways of modifying them are being investigated.

  • Recent highlights

    Together with collaborators, we have carried out numerous biochemical and protein engineering experiments with TRAP protein. As well as being made to assemble into a protein nanotube, TRAP has also been used to capture gold nanodots and deliver them to the relevant portion of a prototype metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) capacitor with potential uses in flash memory (pictured). We also produced a symmetry-altered TRAP ring that has 12 subunits rather than the 11 found in nature.

  • Aging

    What is aging? Why did it evolve and can the process be modified, slowed, or even reversed? These questions cannot yet be satisfactorily answered. As aging is the underlying process responsible for allowing many of our most common diseases to occur, understanding it may help us to delay the onset of such diseases and ensure longer, higher quality lives. We are carrying out theoretical research into how and why aging evolved and its connection with caloric restriction in conjunction with practical research using model organisms (fruit flies).