The structural dynamics of transmembrane proteins

Outside of our genome maintenance efforts, we collaborate with members of the Harvard Medical School community to better understand the structural dynamics of membrane proteins. With the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Blacklow, we showed that mechanical force is the physiological signal that initiates Notch signaling. We have also worked with Dr. Tom Rapoport to use single-molecule FRET assays to understand how ATP hydrolysis within the SecA ATPase is coupled to polypeptide translocation. Ongoing efforts with the laboratory of Dr. Andrew Kruse are focused on the structural dynamics of the SEDS-family peptidoglycan polymerase – a critical factor in the assembly of the bacterial cell wall and an important target in next-generation antibiotic development.