Protein Structure and Function

Here are some structures to view:

To illustrate some general features of protein secondary structure, I've used lactalbumin. It also shows disulfide bridges and a calcium binding site.
Protein structure can be used in the design of new drug molecules. This example is based on the structure of HIV-1 protease and my collaboration with Prof. Arun Ghosh of Purdue University.
Homology-modeling is often useful, especially for membrane proteins that are difficult to crystalize. Here is a modeled structure of a citrate transporter that I constructed in collaboration with Prof. Ron Kaplan.
Ion channels are important in regulating the movement of Na+, K+, Ca++, Cl-, and other important ions. You can view the X-ray crystal structure of a bacterial K+ channel. And I have modeled a mammalian K+ channel, in collaboration with Prof. Henry Sackin.
Blood coagulation involves a large number of proteins. The structural basis for function is known for many of these, and some are targets for drug design.
Proteins can interact with other cell components. You can visualize a nucleosome (DNA wrapped around a cluster of histone proteins) in a view that illustrates the individual histone proteins, or in a view that highlights the positively charged parts of the proteins that interact with the negative charges on the DNA backbone.
Cells use many proteins to adhere to their surroundings. You can view selectin or an immunoglobulin-family adhesion protein.