Research Overview

Viral DNA packaging motors

Many viruses use powerful molecular motors to package their genome into procapsids during assembly. These motors, collectively known as packaging ATPases, convert the chemical energy from ATP hydrolysis into mechanical work. Our group is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms by which proteins function. Uncovering such mechanisms would not resolve a fundamental problem in virology but also provide insights into combating viral infections like herpes and designing synthetic mimics of these powerful motors.

Chromatin organization

In eukaryotic organisms, DNA is organized into repeating units called nucleosomes, each of which consist of ~1.65 turns of DNA wrapped around an octamer of histone proteins. The array of nucleosomes is folded into a thicker chromatin fiber that undergoes further looping to eventually yield chromosomes. Our group is developing novel computational methods to elucidate this 3D organization of DNA and its role in biological processes like transcription.

Polymer-nanoparticle composites

The incorporation of nanoparticles into polymers constitutes a powerful strategy for enhancing their mechanical properties and for introducing new optical, electrical, and magnetic functionalities into the polymers. Our group uses a combination of theory, simulations, machine learning, and image analysis to explore new strategies for self-assembling particles into unique nonclose-packed arrangements and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, energetics, and dynamics of assembly.

DNA nanotechnology

DNA nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field of science that holds great promise for creating nanodevices capable of transport and delivery of molecular cargoes, molecular sensing, nanomanufacturing, molecular computing, and countless other applications. Our lab uses statistical mechanics, multiscale models, and advanced simulations to create novel DNA devices that can be rapidly actuated, precisely assembled into macroscopic arrays, and interfaced with inorganic and biological systems.