Structural Biology

We use experimental techniques to determine the structures of molecules that drive cancer growth. Computational approaches allow us to understand their behaviour and to design chemicals to inhibit their activity.

We also measure the activities of these molecules, and the strength of the interactions that they make. This supports the process of designing drugs that target them.

We work closely with bioscientists and chemists. Bioscientists interpret the role of the targets in cancer progression. Chemists identify the best routes to producing chemicals that will work as drugs.

We work across our campus:

At the Paul O’Gorman Building we produce protein samples and carry out experiments to explore how they work.

We grow protein crystals at the Biosciences Institute. The crystals can go on for imaging by X-ray crystallography or by cryo electron microscopy.

The Bedson Building is where we apply cutting-edge chemical biology approaches and use sophisticated computational algorithms to design inhibitors.