Many biological processes are regulated via environmentally-controlled protein/protein interactions. Initiated by changes at bound ligands, these conformational switches regulate the downstream activities of a wide variety of signaling proteins.

To characterize how structural and dynamic changes within such domains are harnessed for functional control, we are studying several classes of ligand-controlled 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. 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. In doing so, we both learn how nature regulates these proteins and lay the foundation for their artificial control.

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, May 2012