We are a structural biology laboratory at Texas A&M University headed by Dr. James Sacchettini.
What is Structural Biology?
Structural biology is the study of the three-dimensional shape assumed by biological macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. The structure of a protein is intrinsic to the way it functions and knowledge of this gives researchers a better understanding of how a protein accomplishes its function, as well as how it might be related to other proteins.
Besides contributing to scientific understanding, practical applications of protein structural data allows us to understand how protein structure contributes to some diseases, and has created a new method of drug discovery known as structure guided drug design. The increase in computer power over the last 20 years has made structural studies of biological and chemical molecules accessible to scientists in a wide array of fields, leading to an explosion in the quantity and quality of structures.
Our lab uses X-ray crystallography to study non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, malaria, and tuberculosis. Please click here to read more about our research on these diseases.
