Research in Biochemistry and Biophysics
Research Areas
Our scientists explore diverse scientific problems across the fields of biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, molecular biology, and genomics. Researchers in the department are pioneering advancements in fields such as enzymology, molecular modeling, and biophysical spectroscopy, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of biological processes. Projects in areas like drug development, personalized medicine, and biotechnology hold immense potential for transforming healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. Additionally, studies focused on environmental biophysics and molecular ecology contribute to our understanding of ecological systems and have implications for sustainable practices.
Drug Discovery and Therapeutics
Drug Discovery and Therapeutics researchers study human and animal diseases with the purpose of screening, developing, and testing drugs, therapeutics, and vaccines against the infectious agents causing disease.
Faculty in Drug Discovery and Therapeutics
Enzymology
Enzymology research explores the fundamental chemistry of life, the enzymes that control it, and how biological systems can be manipulated in novel ways using small molecules and unique chemistries.
Faculty in Enzymology
Gene Structure and Regulation
Gene Structure and Regulation studies of gene structure and regulation using a combination of biochemical and genetic approaches.
Faculty in Gene Structure and Regulation
Membrane Transport, Structure, and Function
Membrane Transport, Structure, and Function research explores the physical, chemical and biological properties of membranes and their lipid, protein and carbohydrate constituents.
Faculty in Membrane Transport, Structure, and Function
Metabolism
Metabolism research examines the organizational and dynamic properties of life at the scale of a living cell, including how networks of chemical interconversion within a cell create the energy and molecules needed for life.
Faculty in Metabolism
Microorganisms and Phage
Research in Microorganisms and Phage studies the fundamental biology and therapeutic applications of single-celled organisms like bacteria, fungi, and protozoa and some of the important viruses that prey upon them.
Faculty in Microorganisms and Phage
Plant Biochemistry and Genetics
Research in Plant Biochemistry and Genetics examines the fundamental molecular, cellular and organismal biology of photosynthetic organisms, including how they can be engineered for important applications like biofuel production.
Faculty in Plant Biochemistry and Genetics
Quantitative and Computational Biochemistry
Quantitative and Computational Biochemistry research employs mathematically rich approaches to the investigation and modeling of biological systems, often involving the use of biophysics, computation, informatics, simulation and big data analytics.
Faculty in Quantitative and Computational Biochemistry
Structural Biology
Structural Biology explores the fundamental construction and dynamics of biological macromolecules and how these structures and their movements help create life.
Faculty in Structural Biology
Recent Publications
- Elucidating the mechanisms of -Synuclein-lipid interactions using site-directed mutagenesis.
- Parallel degradome-seq and DMS-MaPseq substantially revise the miRNA biogenesis atlas in Arabidopsis.
- Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer upon Oxidation of Tyrosine in a De Novo Protein: Analysis of Proton Acceptor Candidates.
- Tubulin-binding region alters tau-lipid interactions and changes toxicity of tau fibrils formed in the presence of phosphatidylserine lipids.
Student Research
Our undergraduate students are provided with a wide-range of research opportunities that will enhance their academic experience. Students will work with faculty members as they work to create knowledge, develop critical thinking and refine their problem-solving skills.
Postdoctoral Research
Graduate students in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics will have the opportunity to take part in research opportunities consistent with their educational passion. Students will pair with our world-class faculty to address the needs and challenges of the industry.
Biochemistry and Biophysics Research in the News
Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension
Texas A&M AgriLife Research is the state’s premiere research agency in agriculture, natural resources, and the life sciences. Through Texas A&M AgriLife Research, we conduct hundreds of projects spanning many scientific disciplines to deliver life-sustaining and industry-changing impacts to citizens throughout Texas and around the world. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is a unique education agency with a statewide network of professional educators, trained volunteers, and county offices. With a vast network of 250 county Extension offices and some 900 professional educators, the expertise provided by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service reaches into every Texas county to address local priority needs. We value people, programs and partnerships.