Research                                

 
 
 

Research Highlights:

 

Precise Structures

HIV-1

Cholesterol

Peptides in Membranes

Rafts

Water Permeability Through Membranes

 

        

               

                 The Membrane Structure and Interactions Lab studies pure lipids, and mixtures of pure lipids with peptides (small proteins) and cholesterol (an important part of healthy cell membranes).  We collect precise x-ray data at CHESS where the well-collimated x-ray beam is two orders of magnitude more intense than the x-rays at CMU.  We analyze these x-ray data with numerical models of membranes and also by comparing to molecular dynamics simulations (with collaborators).  The best way to introduce you to our research is for you to view the tabs at the left.  Each tab is linked to a recent publication where you can find detailed information about our research results. Please write to us with questions or comments about the research.