The 3-dimensional structure of molecules and shape complementarity between molecular interaction partners goes a long way to explain essential features of biology, for instance the exquisite selectivity of enzyme catalysts, the specific  recognition of pathogens by the immune system, and the ability of living organisms to respond rapidly to changes in the  environment. The power of structural biology was first demonstrated by the Watson & Crick model of the DNA double helix in the 1950s, a model that compellingly and intuitively explained how genetic information is copied.

Today, the main thrust of structural biology remains the visualisation of proteins, DNA, carbohydrates and lipids. However, equally important is to elucidate how biological molecules work in the context of cells and tissues. Detailed knowledge of how proteins function, how they bind  to their interaction partners provides fundamental insights into the molecular basis of biology, a knowledge that crucially  informs  the development of novel therapies in the clinic.

Aims of the Structural Biology CRN

The Structural Biology CRN, founded in 2004 as the Birmingham Structural Biology Form (BSBF), aims to fostering research excellence and training in structural biology and allied disciplines. By its very nature, structural biology is an interdisciplinary science, geared towards extensive interaction with life science research groups. As part of the University's Research Strategy, the CRN seeks to interlink complementary experimental techniques in a broad portfolio of experimental facilities in the molecular life sciences, and make these accessible to research staff at Birmingham and beyond. Annual retreats, a joint seminar programme, and frequent informal gatherings form a basis for multi-investigator grant proposals and large-scale research initiatives.