Many biological processes are regulated via environmentally-controlled protein/protein interactions. Initiated by changes at bound cofactors, these conformational switches regulate catalytic domains or multiprotein complexes both in cis or in trans.

To characterize novel aspects of such protein structure/function control, we are comparing the structures, dynamics and functions of members of several classes of ligand-regulated protein/protein interaction domains. While much of our focus has been on the PAS (Per-ARNT-Sim) family, including the LOV (Light Oxygen Voltage) subset, we have also investigated members of the BLUF (Blue Light sensors Utilizing FAD) group among others.

For these studies, we combine biophysical (NMR, X- ray crystallography, spectroscopy), biochemical and chemical approaches, integrating data from isolated protein domains with full length proteins in living cells.

Here you'll find information about these concepts in practice, via our studies of photosensors, components of the hypoxia response, and others. Please drop me an email if you have any questions or comments. Thanks, Kevin Gardner, Jan 2011