The Metabolism & Organelle Biogenesis (MOB) group combines structural, biochemical, and chemical biology approaches to study the functions and structure-activity relationships of diverse metabolic protein families in the human genome, with emphasis on understanding the molecular basis of inherited metabolic disorders and potentials of small molecule therapeutics. Research activities in the group include the heterologous expression, chromatography purification, biophysical characterization and crystal structure determination of human metabolic enzymes of medical interest. Current areas of focus include: multiprotein complex machines, glycogen synthesis, vitamin B12 metabolism and Leloir pathway of galactose metabolism.

Our mission statement:

• We explore how genetic defects lead to disease at the molecular level, by determining the structural and biochemical properties of enzymes and protein complexes linked to genetic errors.
• We work closely with clinicians, pharmaceutical partners and patient groups to decipher the underlying genetic, biochemical and cellular mechanisms of these diseases.
• Our long-term goal is to design novel small molecule therapeutic approaches focussing on two challenging concepts, namely diseases associated with loss of function, and protein-protein interactions.

See our structure gallery