This has been an open question for more than 30 years. My research has been based on several related computationally-based studies of protein folding and sequence design. We utilize a lattice model of protein folding, a standard computational method which is simple yet captures the essential thermodynamic properties of real proteins. The purpose of such work is to lay the groundwork for design of off-lattice foldable model proteins. A study of the folding of model prions, with Zimran Ahmed.
Prions are protein molecules which have two metastable states.
It is hoped that weaving together various aspects of the protein folding problem will yield a richer understanding of the broader picture of protein thermodynamics. Click here to return to the list of summaries.