Our group is looking to expand with position for M. Sc. and Ph. D. students open. For more information see the projects page or contact Prof. Ladizhansky directly at:
vladizha@ uoguelph.ca
December 10: Andrew Gravelle has defended his M. Sc. Thesis
September 10: Emily Ritz has joined the group as a new M. Sc. student.
December 09: Lichi Shi has defended his PhD. Thesis
August 09: Mumdooh Ahmed has defended his PhD. Thesis
July 09: Meaghan Ward has joined the group as a new M. Sc. student.
Development of NMR Techniques
We are interested in fundamental and applied aspects of NMR spectroscopy: the development of new approaches for sensitivity enhancement of solid-state NMR experiments, new methods for spectral assignments, and measurements of structural constraints. Of particular interest is the development of methods for detailed understanding of molecular motions in proteins.
Myelin Basic Protein
In collaboration with the group of Prof. G. Harauz, we are investigating the structural conformation of myelin basic protein (MBP) in its association with lipids. This protein is involved in maintaining the structure of the lipid-rich myelin sheath in the central nervous system. MBP is chemically altered (deiminated) in the neurodegenerative disease multiple sclerosis, resulting in sheath degradation and autoimmune attack. We use solid-state NMR to gain insight into the nature of MBP-lipid interactions at atomic level resolution. Fundamental questions are how this protein associates with lipids and how this association is affected by deimination.
Proteorhodopsin
Another project in the lab deals with solid-state NMR studies of proteorhodopsin, a seven helix integral membrane protein that functions as a proton pump. We are using solid-state NMR to determine its three-dimensional structure in the native membrane environment, and also to understand the structural and biochemical changes occurring during photocycle of the protein. Proteorhodopsin is structurally similar to a large protein family of G protein coupled receptors, which are involved in diverse cellular processes such as signaling, and which represent an emerging class of drug targets. We are looking to expand our expertise in PR to other integral membrane proteins.
The research carried out in the group is highly interdisciplinary. In addition to multi-dimensional solution- and solid-state NMR, we use computational and biophysical methods, and chemical and molecular biology approaches to synthesis and purification of isotope labeled peptides and proteins.
If you are interested in working in our group, please write to Vladimir Ladizhansky and inquire about current possibilities.