Research at Biomolecular EPR Lab

In the area of biophysical chemistry, our work focuses on understanding the structure–dynamics–function relationships of proteins, with a particular emphasis on intrinsically disordered proteins associated with human diseases. Since many biomolecules are diamagnetic, we utilize site-directed spin labelling (SDSL), where small paramagnetic probes (spin labels) are introduced at specific sites within the protein. These labels report on the local chemical environment and can interact with other labels positioned several nanometers away. Such interactions provide valuable information on protein folding, conformational heterogeneity, structural transitions, and intermolecular interactions.

In parallel, in the field of bioinorganic chemistry, we investigate the structure and reactivity of metalloproteins and their model complexes. Our studies focus on identifying and characterizing transient intermediates and elucidating reaction mechanisms, contributing to a deeper understanding at the molecular level.