Biophysics Core

The Biophysics Core Facility supports JHMRI investigators who want to characterize macromolecules or macromolecular complexes using biophysical techniques (isothermal titration calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism and x-ray crystallography).

Facility equipment can detect multimerization or aggregation of proteins, as well as the formation of macromolecular complexes. The equipment can measure the average particle size of molecules in solution and the binding constants for protein-ligand interactions or protein-protein interactions. The secondary structure content of proteins can be determined and compared with changes in structure upon interaction with a ligand. In addition, the atomic resolution three-dimensional structure of macromolecules and complexes can be determined. These capabilities support investigators studying malaria proteins as targets for drug discovery and vaccine design.

AVAILABLE TECHNIQUES

• Isothermal Titration Calorimetry 
        MicroCal VP-ITC
  

• Dynamic Light Scattering
         Proterion DynaPro
         Peltier temperature
         control          
  

• Circular Dichroism
         Jasco J-810 Spectropolarimeter
         Peltier temperature control
         Automated dual titration system
         Scanning emission monochromator                                
  

• X-ray Crystallography 
          Bruker Microstar x-ray generator 
          with AXS X8 Proteum CCD detector
          KryoFlex cryocooling device

CONTACT

Contact Biophysics Core

LINKS