Supramolecular Protein Chemistry

Building on decades of “host-guest” research, recent years have seen a surge of activity in water-soluble supramolecular receptors for protein recognition and assembly. Progress has been particularly rich in the area of calixarenes, cucurbiturils and molecular tweezers. Emerging applications include controlled protein assembly in solution, crystal engineering, supramolecular control of catalysis (both in vitro and in vivo), as well as novel mechanisms of protein-interaction inhibition with relevance to amyloids and disease. One challenge at the interface of supramolecular chemistry and protein science is to increase interaction and collaboration between chemists and biochemists/structural biologists.This book addresses the exciting interface of supramolecular chemistry and protein science. Chapters cover supramolecular approaches to protein recognition, assembly and regulation. Principles outlined will highlight the opportunities that are readily accessible to collaborating chemists and biochemists, enriching the breadth and scope of this multidisciplinary field. Supramolecular Protein Chemistry will be of particular interest to graduate students and researchers working in supramolecular chemistry, protein science, self-assembly, biomaterials, biomedicine and biotechnology.

After graduating with first class honours in chemistry Peter joined the laboratory of Prof. G. W. Canters at Leiden University, The Netherlands. Working with his advisor Prof. M. Ubbink, he used NMR spectroscopy to study transient protein interactions involved in electron transport. This research was summarized in an invited paper in Accounts of Chemical Research. From the Netherlands Peter headed south for sunnier climes. With a Marie Curie Postdoctoral fellowship he joined the lab of Prof. M. A. Carrondo at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal. During this time he further developed his interest in molecular recognition. In particular, he demonstrated the importance of cation-pi interactions in protein interfaces. In 2006, Peter returned to Ireland, working as a lecturer in Biochemistry at UCD, and since 2008 as a lecturer in Chemistry at NUI Galway. He was promoted in 2014 to Senior Lecturer and in 2017 to Personal Professor.  Current interests include protein self assembly and protein interactions under physiological conditions.