CAREER: Investigating Membrane Proteins wth Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Miami University, Oxford OH

Investigators

Abstract

Dr. Gary A. Lorigan of Miami University (Oxford, OH) is funded for his research in magnetic resonance studies of membrane proteins by a CAREER grant in the Physical Chemistry program of the Chemistry Division and in the Molecular Biophysics program of the Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Division. He will develop model membrane systems that magnetically align at low magnetic fields for magnetic resonance studies. A Q-band EPR spectrometer will be used to explore the structural and dynamic properties of model membrane systems and integral membrane proteins. Dr. Lorigan will develop a modern biophysical chemistry curriculum for undergraduate and graduate students in both the classroom and the laboratory. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy is an important technique that is rapidly becoming a standard tool in chemistry and biochemistry for the structural determination of proteins. This research will allow biophysical chemists to investigate the structural and motional properties of biologically significant molecules. Dr. Lorigan plans on developing new course work in the area of biophysical chemistry for both undergraduate and graduate students.