Biopolymers

Protein folding kinetics

Protein folding, the process by which proteins attain their functional 3-dimensional conformation is a fascinating problem. The geometry/topology of the proteins' native state can give novel information useful in finding a model for protein folding.

Topological analysis of viral glycoproteins

We use topology to analyze the 3-dimensional conformation of viral glycoproteins (including SARS-CoV-2). Our results show that specific residues have a higher local conformational free energy, which could make them ideal targets for ligand binding and drug creation.