The Laboratory of Stefano Gianni investigates the relationships between the structure and function of proteins as well as the folding of proteins. We are currently particularly interested in the energetic communication that occurs between protein domains in multidomain proteins. We characterize these effects both from a folding and from a functional perspective. A key goal of our work is to define the basic rules that govern protein folding and allostery.
To address these questions we employ a synergy between protein engineering approaches and chemical kinetics. Our laboratory is equipped with a wide array of instruments that allows studying time-resolved reactions using optical spectroscopy. These reactions can be approached both by mixing and by relaxation methods and can be explored both in the fast and in the ultra-fast time regime. More details about the experimental methods may be found at https://research.uniroma1.it/analysis-rapid-processes-arp.
In the research project the candidate will explore the mechanisms of recognition between IDP systems and folded domains, with particular emphasis on the role of multi-domain architectures in modulating such interactions.