We study interactions of proteins and peptides with membranes. Specifically we study the interaction of the A-beta peptide with lipids in the membrane. It is well known that Alzheimer’s is an aggregation disorder with A-beta being the aggregating species. However, it is unknown what initiates this aggregation. Experimental evidence has shown that A-beta peptides will undergo a conformational change to an aggregate structure when interacting with surfaces of certain lipid membranes. It is of interest to our group to understand what causes this conformational change and what properties of lipids most promote this effect.
We also study structural and dynamical properties of biomembranes containing cholesterol. The goal of our research on structural and dynamical properties of membranes containing cholesterol is to gain knowledge about the nature of phospholipid-cholesterol interactions that play an important role in functioning of membranes, in cell communications and in formation of domains called lipid rafts. Detailed knowledge of the membrane properties helps us to understand the normal functioning of cells and it is instrumental in the search for a cure from a large variety of diseases. We use computer simulation techniques to perform our studies. Member of the Molecular & Cellular Biophysics Training Program
The direct fabrication and harvesting of monodisperse, shape-specific nano-biomaterials are presently being designed to reach new understandings and therapies in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Research interests include: transport processes in the lung, flow and structure of nano-materials & macromolecular fluids, weakly compressible transport phenomena, solitons and optical fiber applications, inverse problems for material characterization and modeling of transport in multiphase porous media.
I am interested in the comparative biomechanics of marine invertebrates. In particular, I study the functional morphology of musculoskeletal systems, the structure, function, development and evolution of muscle, and invertebrate zoology, with particular emphasis on the biology of cephalopod molluscs (octopus and squid). My research is conducted at a variety of levels and integrates the range from the behavior of the entire animal to the ultrastructure and biochemistry of its tissues.
Dr. Macdonald is the Founder and Scientific Director of the new Metabolomic Facility and Co-Scientific Director of the joint UNC/NCSU/NOAA Marine MRI facility at Pivers Island near Beaufort NC. Dr. Macdonald's research goal is to combine metabolomics and tissue engineering and apply these tools to quantitative biosystem analysis.
Miller's research group focuses on topics in integrative biophysics:
physics applied to biology at the level of cells to organisms. In
particular, the group is interested in the role of fluid forces during
locomotion and morphogenesis. One ongoing project is focused on
understanding the aerodynamics of flight in the smallest insects.
Another current project investigates the role of fluid forces during
the development of the embryonic vertebrate heart.
The Yousaf Group uses a multidisciplinary approach that broadly interfaces surface chemistry and material science with biology to study fundamental questions in cell biology (ranging from Cell Migration to Cell Division) and to develop new tools applied to biotechnology (new types of microarrays). Approaches range from organic synthesis, several analytical techniques, microfabrication, material science, microscopy, biochemistry and cell biology.
