Structure and dynamics of FAST proteins and peptides by NMR spectroscopy

Our research will determine the structure and dynamics of a variety of proteins and peptides that interact with biological cell membranes providing insight into how these proteins and peptides interact within a membrane environment and which structural features are essential for biological activity. The study of mutant derivatives of these proteins and peptides will enable us to determine structure-activity relationships for these bioactive molecules. We will investigate one class of proteins responsible for causing cell-to-cell fusion, for their unique mechanism of action, and for their role as potential components of a liposome drug delivery system.