Theoretical and Computational Chemistry and Biophysical Chemistry
Ph.D., Weizmann Institute of Science (1979); M.Sc., Novosibirsk State University (1972); Fellow of the American Physical Society, (elected 1995)
Our group uses computer simulation techniques to study structural and dynamic properties of biological membranes and properties of aqueous solutions next to such membranes.
One of the goals of our research is to gain knowledge about the nature of phospholipid-peptide/protein interactions that play an important role in the functioning of cells. This kind of research is instrumental in the search for a cure from a large variety of diseases. For example, we study the interaction of the A-beta peptide with lipids in the membrane.
It is known that Alzheimer's disease is connected to an aggregation disorder, with A-beta peptide being one of the main aggregating species. However, it is unknown what initiates this aggregation. Experimental evidence has shown that A-beta peptides will undergo a conformational change to an aggregate structure when interacting with surfaces of certain lipid membranes. It is of interest to our group to understand what causes this conformational change and what properties of lipids most promote this effect.
Dynamical and conformational properties of membranes are also influenced by the properties of aqueous solutions next to or between membranes. For example, in a process of membrane fusion, membranes have to overcome repulsive forces while approaching each other. The nature of these forces, called hydration forces, as they are presumed to be due to water, puzzled researchers for quite some time. Our goal is to use simulations to understand the hydration force, in general and in detail. Interaction between membrane surfaces immersed in water represent an example of forces acting between hydrophilic surfaces. We are also interested in the understanding of the nature of the long-ranged forces acting between "hydrophobic" surfaces.