Research
Many of life's most important processes are performed by metalloproteins. Metalloproteins are proteins that contain one or more metal cofactors at their active-sites, and can be thought of as the ultimate transition metal complex. The ligand environment about the metal-center in a metalloprotein is often characterized by low symmetry, an unusual coordination geometry, and unique metal-ligand bonding. Therefore, many of the fine details concerning how interactions between the primary and secondary coordination sphere and the metal ion contribute to the metalloproteins physical properties and function in many metalloproteins remain unclear. To understand these complex and fascinating systems the Shearer group utilizes a multi-tiered approach. We first start by considering the relevant information concerning the metalloprotein in question and design and prepare small transition metal complexes and metallopeptides based on the active-site of the metalloprotein. These metalloprotein synthetic analogues are then subjected to a detailed spectroscopic and computational analysis. Finally the information acquired from these studies are applied back to the metalloprotein. Further studies on the metalloprotein then aid in refining future generations of the synthetic analogues, and the whole process is repeated.
Current areas of focus in the Shearer group concern: the biological chemistry of nickel containing metalloproteins, the interaction between copper ions and proteins involved in neurodegenerative disorders, and the biological chemistry of weak bonding interactions.
To find out what techniques are employed by the Shearer group visit this page.
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