My primary research interests are in computational biology, with an emphasis on spatial structure and dynamics at the molecular and cellular levels. My work, usually carried out in close collaboration with experimentalists, spans fields ranging from biochemistry and cell biology to parallel computing, image processing, and machine learning.
Experimental and computational approaches to study human movement. Development of biomechanical models to analyze muscleExperimental and computational approaches to study human movement. Development of biomechanical models to analyze muscle function, study movement abnormalities, design new medical products, and guide surgery. Imaging technology development including MRI and microendoscopy. Optogenetic manipulation of peripheral neural circuits. Biomedical technology development. function, study movement abnormalities, design new medical products, and guide surgery. Imaging technology development including MRI and microendoscopy. Optogenetic manipulation of peripheral neural circuits. Biomedical technology development.
The Das group strives to predict how sequence codes for structure in proteins, nucleic acids, and heteropolymers whose folds have yet to be explored. We use new computational and experimental tools to tackle the de novo modeling of protein and RNA folds, the high-throughput structure mapping of riboswitches and random RNAs, and the design of self-knotting and self-crystallizing nucleic acids.
Research focus is on building computational models of complex biological processes and using these models to guide an experimental program. Such an approach leads to a relatively rapid identification and validation of previously unknown components and interactions. Biological systems of interest include metabolic, regulatory, and signaling networks as well as intercellular interactions. Current research involves the dynamic behavior of NF-kappa B, an important family of transcription factors whose aberrant activity has been linked to oncogenesis, tumor progression, and resistance to chemotherapy.