Grant: Canada Research Chairs

A molecular understanding of the structure-property relationships of extracellular proteins involved in (i) the formation of dynamic high-order signaling complexes related to human disease and (ii) the establishment of unique S-layer assemblies from extremophilic archea is essential for the development of structure-based applications in the fields of biomedicine and biotechnology. The exploration of structural dynamics of proteins in cellular communication and cell-matrix signaling are of great biomedical importance. In a second avenue of research, we are exploiting S-layer coiled coils to design industry applicable monitoring and remediation tools. The development of structure-guided applications based on the unique features of coiled-coil nanotubes is a new approach in application-driven research. We will continue to apply and develop further an integrated research program combining high-resolution structural biology techniques, with various biophysical and functional approaches.