Molecular biology for drug design

This research group investigates the translational regulation of gene expression by human Thymidylate Synthase. They study the binding mechanism between human Thymidylate Synthase and its own mRNA in the presence and absence of substrates and metabolite analogues.

To achieve this, they have monitored the interaction between the enzyme and a synthetic 29-mer analogue of the mRNA using biophysical methods (ie UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy). To achieve this the enzyme has to be available in large amounts and this requires the gene for the enzyme to be expressed in a suitable bacterial system. We have a specialist laboratory for this type of over-expression and the associated genetic manipulations, such as site-directed mutagenesis. We also have excellent facilities for protein purification.