Oxford University, Structural Bioinformatics & Computational Biochemistry Unit

Mission Statement

Research in the Structural Bioinformatics and Computational Biochemistry Unit embraces all areas of computational studies of membrane proteins and related systems, ranging from molecular simulations of channels and transporters, to computational bionanoscience and membrane protein folding and stability. We are also interested in multi-level simulations of membrane proteins, and addressing the ‘gap’ between molecular and systems descriptions of membranes, including bacterial outer membranes and cardiac excitable cell membranes. We have major grant support in a number of areas, including ion channel structure/function studies, bacterial outer membrane protein simulations, computational bionanoscience, and e-science methodologies for molecular simulations. The group is composed of ~30 researchers (with a near-even split of postdocs to graduate students) working on topics ranging from the dynamics of water in nanopores to large scale MD simulations of bacterial membranes.

In summary, the mission of this Unit is to:

Undertake computational studies of membrane proteins and membrane systems
Focus on key aspects of membrane biology: channels, receptors, transporters, and signalling
Advance understanding of membrane protein biophysics: structure, stability, and folding
Embrace multiple computational approaches: structural bioinformatics, molecular modelling & simulation, computational systems biology, and e-science & HPC

Address a range of applications: computational bionanoscience, atomic resolution physiology of excitable cell membranes, systems biology of membrane transport & signalling

The Unit moved into the New Biochemistry building in 2008.

This Unit is a major laboratory in the UK for membrane protein simulations with a strong international reputation, attracting postdocs and students from the UK, continental Europe, the USA, and Asia. The Unit has strong collaborative links with experimental groups in structural biology, physiology and systems biology.

Last updated 06/04/10