CORE RESEARCH THEMES
Deciphering Dynamics of Biomolecules using Fluorescence Spectroscopy and High-resolution Microscopy
1. Protein Folding and Misfolding Mechanisms
Our lab explores the fundamental energy landscapes that govern how polypeptide chains navigate to their native states. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, we characterize transient intermediates and non-native interactions that lead to misfolding, providing critical insights into the molecular origins of proteopathic conditions.
2. Aggregation and Phase Separation
We investigate the biophysical principles driving liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and the subsequent transition into solid-like aggregates. By observing local conformational changes during condensation, we seek to understand how environmental stressors modulate the assembly and maturation of biomolecular condensates.
3. Binding and Unbinding Dynamics of Drugs with Biomolecules
FOCUS Lab uses time-resolved fluorescence and related spectroscopic tools to quantify how small-molecule drugs associate with and dissociate from proteins and nucleic acids, revealing kinetic pathways and stability landscapes relevant for rational drug design.
4. Modulation of Enzymatic Activity Using Small Molecules
FOCUS Lab investigates how small-molecule ligands tune enzyme activity, stability, and conformational dynamics using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence, helping to map allosteric regulation and design more effective modulators.