Through centuries of evolution, nature has developed biomacromolecules capable of folding and assembling into discrete structures with a functional consequence. Inspired by this, our lab focuses on engineering proteins in order to (1) reprogram or alter their function and (2) fabricate entirely new properties and function. In the first part of my talk, I will discuss our work towards modulating existing protein function via the integration of chemical and genetic diversity using histone acetyltransferases as the target protein. This will be followed by a description of how we can now engineer new structures and supramolecular assemblies by piecing together natural or nature-derived domains that have never been fused to one another. The resulting artificial proteins bear potential as therapeutic agents or scaffolds for biotechnology, nanoelectronics and medicine.

Key References:
Haghpanah CBC  
VoloshchukBMCL 2009

Host:  Kathryn Uhrich