Protein-protein interactions in host-parasite systems
Our group employs multiscale methods for discovering new interactions and deciphering the molecular details of complex biological processes. Currently, we are primarily interested in applications to molecular parasitology and our main goal is to understand which red-blood cell proteins and protein complexes are manipulated by the malaria parasite. To understand the structural details of this hijacking process, we employ a combination of experimental and computational biophysics approaches. Using cutting-edge approaches, we are able to understand how protein conformations are manipulated by the parasite leading to new insights about the disease process.
AIxBio
Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have become an additional tool in the ever expanding set of methods to understand life. However, these methods are often not employed by those who could gain the most from them. We develop new tools for various applications including biosecurity and protein design. We are also trying to better understand how these methods work and understand their biases so these biases can be exploited or removed. Ultimately, we work on genomic and protein language models, sequence design methods and interpretability approaches.
Designing proteins and conformations
The current focus on the AI protein design field focuses on designing protein binders. We have been developing approaches to understand protein conformations from experimental data (HDX-MS) combined with computational approaches (e.g. Molecular Dynamics). We are moving to understand whether protein conformational ensembles and conformational changes are designable.
