Many biological processes are regulated via environmentally-controlled protein/protein interactions. Initiated by changes at bound ligands, these conformational switches regulate the activities of many signaling proteins. Using a combination of biophysical, biochemical and chemical approaches, we study the mechanisms of such switches to obtain mechanistic insights into their functions. In doing so, we both learn how nature regulates these proteins and lay the foundation for their artificial control in vitro and in living cells.

Here you'll find information about these concepts in practice, as exhibited in 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, June 2013

Part of the new Department of Biophysics at UT Southwestern!
for June 19, 2013, as found in HJ McGee et al., Nature 308(1984): 667:

"Foams of chicken egg albumen have been an important element in Western cuisine for at least 300 yr; they lower the density of such otherwise ponderous preparations as souffles and sponge cakes, and in the heat-annealed form known as meringues they support or crown various sucrose-rich mixtures."