Molecular Biophysics Lab
We use a combination of Structural Biology and Biophysics methods to study human proteins involved in cancer, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular and neurological diseases.
Research Focus
The Molecular Biophysics lab at iBET focuses on elucidating protein-protein interactions and advancing structural biology.
A key area of research in our lab involves exploring the cellular interactome of AAA+ ATPases, specifically human RuvBLs. We investigate methods for disrupting and stabilizing large ATPase-containing complexes with essential partners or interactors, utilizing methods like X-ray crystallography and single-particle CryoEM for detailed structural studies.
Additionally, we conduct research on small-molecule inhibitors targeting Cyclophilin D, a crucial protein linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. This work explores the usage of hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) to examine fragment binding modes, representing a significant advancement in biophysical drug development.
Overall, our lab’s efforts advance the understanding of protein structure and activity relationship of relevant human drug-targets while training young researchers to master cutting-edge technologies.
Areas of Activity
Structural Biology
X-ray crystallography and single-particle CryoEM to obtain 3D structures of protein-ligand or protein-protein complexes of interest.
Protein-protein and Protein-ligand interactions
Surface Plasmon Resonance, Biolayer Interferometry and Differential Scanning Fluorimetry are used to characterize ligand or protein affinities within complexes.
Protein-ligand interactions
HDX-MS is used to characterize the ligand binding site on the target proteins when protein crystals of the protein-ligand complex cannot be obtained, but also to study how protein dynamics is affected by interaction with protein partners and ligands.
Tiago Bandeiras
Head of Merck Healthcare Satellite Lab & Molecular Biophysics Lab
I am the Head of the Merck Healthcare Satellite Lab at iBET, where I have been working since 2005. In this role, I have gained experience in managing pre-clinical drug discovery projects in an international setting.
