Group of Dr Alan Stewart
Metal ions including calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and zinc (Zn2+) are essential for human health. Normally the distributions and concentrations of such metals are tightly controlled. If metal ion imbalances occur this leads to a plethora of disease states, including cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders. The aim of our research is to understand from a molecular to a systems level, the complex mechanisms that regulate metal ion homeostasis and the role that these metal ions play in health and disease. We use a range of biophysical approaches including EPR-based techniques, solution NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry to probe the interactions of metals (and other small molecules) with proteins.
