How We Work

Who We Are

The R. L. Juliano Structural Bioinformatics Core Facility (SBI Core) is a computational core that trains researchers in computational structural biology techniques, or works in a collaborative manner with researchers. Researchers have access to state-of-the-art software tools for protein and DNA sequence analysis, protein fold determination, homology modeling, active site identification, and analysis of the effects of various mutations on the structure and function of the protein, along with additional computational analyses. As researchers gain experience in computational techniques, they are incorporating more varied and computationally demanding techniques into their research. Researchers have now moved beyond homology modeling and have begun to incorporate combined studies including molecular dynamics, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography into their research efforts. The SBI core works closely with the Macromolecular X-Ray Crystallography core and other cores to lead to optimal utilization of these methodologies. Computational structural analyses, in particular, are absolutely critical for drug design and for understanding the role of molecules in disease.

Many UNC-CH faculty from diverse departments and centers across campus including Biochemistry and Biophysics, Cell Biology and Physiology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmacology and the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have accessed the expertise available through the SBI core. The resources in this core are available to academic researchers outside of UNC-Chapel Hill and to researchers in industry.

What We Offer

Researchers receive training in computational structural biology techniques through workshops and individual one-on-one sessions with the Executive Director.

The Executive Director is also available to work in a collaborative manner with researchers.

Please schedule an appointment with the core director to explore applying these techniques to your research project.

Fees

The Structural Bioinformatics Core is a recharge center. Please contact the core director for estimates of cost.