Proteins expressed by hyperthermophilic organisms have unusual and useful functions. Our studies, in collaboration with Dr. Michael Young at Harvard, focus on a novel, multifunctional serine protease, pyrofuriase, from Pyrococcus furiosus, an Archaea which flourishes at 100 C. The gene has been sequenced and has been expressed in E. coli. Enzymological properties at various temperatures are being studied, especially in the context of the different chemistry at high temperatures. Circular dichroism and ultracentrifugation will be used to assess structural features and changes in structure with respect to ionic strength, pH and temperature.

Mathematical and computational biology and biochemistry are also areas of interest.

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