Biophysics

Understanding the complex and dynamic biological processes that underpin life requires a detailed knowledge of how biological molecules interact with each other in the crowed environment of the living cell. We exploit the widest possible array of biophysical methods, to achieve this, seeking to understand biological processes at different scales, from individual molecules to whole cells. We use techniques such as mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, atomic force microscopy, analytical ultracentrifugation, isothermal titration calorimetry, circular dichroism spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, and fluorescence (including single molecule methods) amongst many others.

We take advantage of our excellent modern facilities, along with the many cross-disciplinary collaborations within the Centre to reveal new information about protein dynamics and stability, and combine these insights with those from chemical biology, structural biology, molecular dynamics simulations and mathematical modelling, our aim is to use state-of-the-art biophysical methods to develop new approaches able to elucidate how macromolecular recognition is controlled within cells to the exquisite sensitivity required for healthy life.