The Radhakrishnan Lab develops, analyzes, and applies computational tools to better understand how biological molecules interact and to design novel interactions. We are particularly interested in how a molecule's physical and chemical properties affect its molecular recognition profile, thereby determining its function. We like to think of ourselves as molecular "matchmakers"; in the same way that matchmakers seek to understand the fundamental determinants that cause people to interact, we seek to understand the structural determinants of molecular recognition. Doing so can help in the design of novel drug molecules that can either specifically recognize a single target or can promiscuously recognize a rapidly mutating target (such as HIV or certain cancer targets).
As electrostatic interactions play a crucial role in molecular recognition, we are especially interested in the accurate modeling of electrostatic interactions in biological systems. To that end, some of our work is focused on the analysis and development of models for accurately predicting the electrostatic energetics of biomolecular binding.
Our research is highly interdisclinary. Student researchers gain wide exposure to physics, computer science, chemistry, biology, applied mathematics, and statistics.
As electrostatic interactions play a crucial role in molecular recognition, we are especially interested in the accurate modeling of electrostatic interactions in biological systems. To that end, some of our work is focused on the analysis and development of models for accurately predicting the electrostatic energetics of biomolecular binding.
Our research is highly interdisclinary. Student researchers gain wide exposure to physics, computer science, chemistry, biology, applied mathematics, and statistics.
Created October 10, 2013 by Connie Chen. Last Modified November 13, 2013. All rights reserved.