Membrane biology
Integral membrane proteins are critical components of all life: they are central to cell bioenergetics (both photosynthesis and respiration); act as cellular 'gatekeepers' for nutrient import and toxin export; and respond to the environment by mediating responses to a wide range of biologically active molecules -- including the majority of currently available drugs. Despite this central role, the hydrophobic nature of membrane proteins leaves them difficult to study, and our understanding of how they work usually lags behind our understanding of soluble proteins. Our research groups use a range of structural and biophysical tools to gain insights into the structure and mechanism of these important proteins.
Research groups
Dr Maruf Ali

Dr Maruf Ali
Senior Research Fellow
Dr Morgan Beeby

Dr Morgan Beeby
Senior Lecturer
Dr Konstantinos Beis

Dr Konstantinos Beis
Reader in Membrane Protein Structural Biology
Dr Doryen A Bubeck

Dr Doryen A Bubeck
Senior Lecturer
Professor Bernadette Byrne

Professor Bernadette Byrne
Professor of Molecular Membrane Biology
Professor Alfonso De Simone

Professor Alfonso De Simone
Professor in Biological NMR Spectroscopy
Dr Tiago R Dias da Costa

Dr Tiago R Dias da Costa
Lecturer in Bacterial Pathogenesis
Professor So Iwata
Professor So Iwata
Visting Professor
Professor Steve Matthews
Professor Steve Matthews
Professor of Chemical and Structural Biology
Professor Thomas K Meier

Professor Thomas K Meier
Chair in Structural Biology
Professor Bill Rutherford FRS
Professor Bill Rutherford FRS
Chair in Biochemistry of Solar Energy