Structural Biology at St Andrews University University of St Andrews Crest

Current Research Projects

Prof. James H Naismith. (7 RA’s, 2 technicians, 6 PhDs) focussed on two broad areas integral membrane proteins and novel biosynthetic enzymes. The work on integral membrane proteins is particularly demanding, crystals are fragile, small and variable. Bacterial membrane proteins are integral to a full understanding bacterial infection. The biosynthetic enzymes are chosen because they have uniquely interesting mechanisms.

Prof. Garry L Taylor. (4 RAs, 1 technician, 4 PhDs) is focused on (a) the sialidase/neuraminidase superfamily, (b) proteins from hyperthemophiles and (c) viral proteins. Sialidases occur in some pathogenic bacteria, viruses, parasites and animals. We are interested in understanding the role of the enzymes in pathogenesis and developing specific inhibitors for diseases such as cholera and parainfluenza. Thermophilic proteins include a novel pathway that is promiscuous for sugars and DNA binding proteins. Viral proteins include those involved in packaging RNA, the polymerase complex and proteins that interfere with interferon signalling from ­ve strand viruses.