National Yang-Ming University
   Chemical and Medical Biophysics, Fischer Group




Symposium on Viral Membrane Proteins, Structrure, Dynamics and Modulation.
5th - 7th of November 2010, Heidelberg University

Ya-Ling Chiang has awarded a DAAD Scholarship for 2010

Dr. Hao-Jen Hsu has awarded a DAAD Research Fellowship for 2010/2011


Mechanisms of Function of Viral Membrane Proteins

We investigate the biophysical principles leading towards the mechanism of function of channel and pore forming membrane proteins from

  • HIV-1, HCV, SARS-CoV,


    • and


  • Polio virus (entry proteins).
    		•  Membrane and Proteins

    We adopt computer simulations (classical and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, docking approaches) and bilayer recordings in a combined approach.

    With computational techniques we are seeking for molecular details about the mechanism of function of the proteins. We also develop simulation strategies to derive macroscopic quantities. Structural details for the computational investigations are adopted from spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, Fluorescence, X-Ray and FTIR. Functional and pharmacological data will be derived from bilayer recordings.

    The information forms the basis for modeling and simulating aspects essential for the proteins to operate:

  • self assembly

  • diffusion of ions and substrates

  • protein folding

  • membrane dynamics
    		•

    Our work supports novel developments in Antiviral Therapy, Biotechnology and Nanomedicine.


      2008 Prof. Dr. W. B. Fischer, NYMU design by Dr. Jens Krüger
    Last Update: 2010-08-25