Current research focuses on fundamental aspects of the mechanism of protein folding.
A series of novel techniques have been developed to study the dynamics of fast processes in protein folding. These include the use of nanosecond pulsed lasers to trigger and monitor the folding reaction as well as ultrarapid mixing methods. Elementary processes, such as secondary structure formation, loop formation, and overall collapse of the polypeptide chain, are being investigated. Simple models are used to interpret the experimental results and expose the basic underlying physics of these processes. The experimental results and theoretical modeling are providing critical benchmarks for the construction of a detailed picture of the sequence of events as a protein forms its native conformation from the random structures of the unfolded polypeptide chain.