From Structure to Cure

Imagine a tiny, intricate machine responsible for vital functions within your cells. Understanding how these machines, made of proteins, are built (their structure) is the domain of structural biology. This field acts as a bridge between the fundamental building blocks of life and the fight against disease. By visualizing protein structures in atomic detail, scientists can pinpoint how malfunctions arise. Misfolded proteins, for example, are linked to disorders like Alzheimer's. This knowledge allows researchers to design drugs that target specific protein shapes, potentially correcting malfunctions and paving the way for new disease treatments