Oxford University, Structural Bioinformatics & Computational Biochemistry Unit

Welcome to the Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biochemistry Unit

We are interested in using computational methods to explore the relationship between structure and function in membrane proteins. This is important, as membrane proteins account for ~25% of all genes, and play key roles in the physiology of cells. Indeed, membrane proteins are targets for ~50% of drugs, and mutations in membrane proteins may result in diseases ranging from diabetes to cystic fibrosis.

Computer simulations allow membrane proteins to 'come alive' - that is, we can simulate the motions of membrane proteins and use this to explore the relationship between (static) structure and dynamic function. This is relevant to a number of areas ranging from biomedicine to nanotechnology.

Follow the links above to find out more about who we are and the work that we do.

Upcoming Events

Latest Publications:

Psachoulia, E., Marshall D.P. and Sansom M.S. (2009)
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of the Dimerization of Transmembrane alpha-Helices.
Acc Chem Res. online (abstract)

Pongprayoon, P., Beckstein O., Wee C.L. and Sansom M.S. (2009)
Simulations of anion transport through OprP reveal the molecular basis for high affinity and selectivity for phosphate.
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. online (abstract)

Stansfeld, P.J., Hopkinson R.J., Ashcroft F.M. and Sansom M.S. (2009)
The PIP2 Binding Site in Kir Channels: Definition by Multi-scale Biomolecular Simulations.
Biochemistry online (abstract)

Rouse, S.L., Carpenter T., Stansfeld P.J. and Sansom M.S. (2009)
Simulations of the BM2 Proton Channel Transmembrane Domain from Influenza Virus B.
Biochemistry online (abstract)

Newstead, S., Fowler, P.W., Bilton P., Carpenter E.P., Sadler P.J., Campopiano D.J., Sansom M.S. and Iwata S. (2009)
Insights into how nucleotide-binding domains power ABC transport.
Structure online (abstract)

Tai, K., Stansfeld P.J. and Sansom M.S. (2009)
Ion-blocking sites of the Kir2.1 channel revealed by multiscale modeling.
Biochemistry online (abstract)

Luik P., Chew C., Aittoniemi J., Chang J., Wentworth P. Jr., Dwek R.A., Biggin P.C., Vénien-Bryan C. and Zitzmann N. (2009)
The 3-dimensional structure of a hepatitis C virus p7 ion channel by electron microscopy.
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. online (abstract)

More SBCB publications available from

Last updated 20/12/09