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Paula Booth

Professor Paula Booth

Professor of Chemistry

  • Daniell Chair of Chemistry
  • Group Leader (Satellite Laboratory) Francis Crick Institute

Research interests

  • Chemistry

Biography

Research interests

Membrane protein folding, the regulation of membrane function and construction of synthetic membrane modules

Integral membrane proteins account for about 30% of all cell proteins and provide the means for vital communication across the membrane in the form of transporters, receptors and signal transducers. Although the number of gene sequences for these proteins is steadily increasing, as is our knowledge of the clinical aspects of these proteins and their demand for drug development, the study of the proteins themselves represents one of the major challenges in modern day molecular biology research.

For a protein to be biologically active it must fold to a specific, three dimensional shape and misfolding can lead to malfunction and disease. In contrast to the large body of information on the folding of water-soluble proteins, remarkably little is known about how membrane proteins fold to their final structures. Such knowledge not only solves a fundamental biological question but also aids the design of membrane proteins and functional membrane vesicles or droplets for Synthetic Biology applications.

Research in my group focuses on membrane protein folding mechanisms and investigations into the role of the membrane lipids in regulating folding and membrane protein activity. We are also interested in membrane protein design and exploiting artificial membranes and protein chemistry in synthetic applications. Several proteins are studied including G protein coupled receptors several transport proteins, including multidrug and ABC transporters. An interdisciplinary approach is used involving time-resolved spectroscopic techniques to measure folding kinetics, calorimetric methods to probe the relevant energetics, computer simulations and modelling, site-directed mutagenesis or chemical modification methods to investigate folding intermediates and manipulation of the lipid environment to control the folding.

Professor Booth's Research Portal 

    Research

    Booth Web Banner
    Booth Group

    The Booth Group's research focuses on membrane protein folding and misfolding.

    OILRIG
    Lipids and Membranes Research Interest Group

    A Lipids and Membranes Research Interest Group

    Crick
    The Francis Crick Institute

    King’s is delighted to be a founding academic partner alongside UCL and Imperial College in the Francis Crick Institute, joining the multidisciplinary research expertise from all the Partners together to deliver world-leading biomedical research.

    News

    Fundamental research into proteins in the cell membrane receives BBSRC Pioneer Award

    The first-of-its-kind exploratory study will examine how force impacts assembly for critical proteins in the body.

    Thumbnail 780x440

    King's Centre for the Physical Science of Life celebrates its launch

    The new centre ushers in a new era for physical science

    Paula Booth at the Centre fro Physical Science of Life launch

    Chemistry climbs rankings

    Department of Chemistry climbs QS rankings

    chemistry molecules

    King's professors advising research council

    King's professors advise research council

    Professor Paula Booth

    Latest research from King's Chemists furthers understanding of multidrug resistance

    Latest research from King’s chemists explores the role that protein dynamics play in the function and inhibition of multidrug-resistant activity in membrane...

    Multidrug efflux membrane protein pump, AcrB, within a lipid membrane.

    Daniell legacy celebrated in the Department of Chemistry

    The legacy of John Frederic Daniell was showcased by a series of activities in the Department of Chemistry during October and November 2019.

    Professor Saiful Islam

    Events

    20FebPSoL Inaugural Symposium

    Centre for the Physical Science of Life Inaugural Symposium

    Please join us in-person for the Centre for the Physical Science of Life Inaugural Symposium at King’s College London.

    Please note: this event has passed.

      Research

      Booth Web Banner
      Booth Group

      The Booth Group's research focuses on membrane protein folding and misfolding.

      OILRIG
      Lipids and Membranes Research Interest Group

      A Lipids and Membranes Research Interest Group

      Crick
      The Francis Crick Institute

      King’s is delighted to be a founding academic partner alongside UCL and Imperial College in the Francis Crick Institute, joining the multidisciplinary research expertise from all the Partners together to deliver world-leading biomedical research.

      News

      Fundamental research into proteins in the cell membrane receives BBSRC Pioneer Award

      The first-of-its-kind exploratory study will examine how force impacts assembly for critical proteins in the body.

      Thumbnail 780x440

      King's Centre for the Physical Science of Life celebrates its launch

      The new centre ushers in a new era for physical science

      Paula Booth at the Centre fro Physical Science of Life launch

      Chemistry climbs rankings

      Department of Chemistry climbs QS rankings

      chemistry molecules

      King's professors advising research council

      King's professors advise research council

      Professor Paula Booth

      Latest research from King's Chemists furthers understanding of multidrug resistance

      Latest research from King’s chemists explores the role that protein dynamics play in the function and inhibition of multidrug-resistant activity in membrane...

      Multidrug efflux membrane protein pump, AcrB, within a lipid membrane.

      Daniell legacy celebrated in the Department of Chemistry

      The legacy of John Frederic Daniell was showcased by a series of activities in the Department of Chemistry during October and November 2019.

      Professor Saiful Islam

      Events

      20FebPSoL Inaugural Symposium

      Centre for the Physical Science of Life Inaugural Symposium

      Please join us in-person for the Centre for the Physical Science of Life Inaugural Symposium at King’s College London.

      Please note: this event has passed.