Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Science (IBBS)

Biomolecular structure‌

Head of Division: Professor Geoff Kneale

Research in the Biomolecular Structure division of IBBS is focused on the structure of proteins and understanding the molecular basis of their interactions with nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), as well as protein-protein interactions and protein-ligand interactions. Such interactions are fundamental to understanding both basic biological mechanisms and the development of new therapies. The applications of our work are wide-ranging, from the development of novel antibiotic targets to structure-based drug design.

Current projects include the structural and biochemical investigation of DNA methyltransferases, transcription factors and repressors, ribonucleases and RNA chaperones, restriction endonucleases, metalloproteinases and serum amyloid proteins. In collaboration with partners in biomedical centres of excellence in the UK and USA, we are engaged in biomedical research involving prions (e.g. CJD), Alzheimer’s disease and mitochondrial diseases (especially those involved in brain tumours).

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