The Burstyn lab is primarily interested in developing a molecular-level understanding of how proteins use heme to sense small, gaseous molecules. Our studies focus on heme coordination chemistry and how changes in coordination regulate protein function. We use tools from bioinorganic chemistry, biophysical chemistry and bioinformatics to inform our understanding of allosteric regulation in these systems.
We study several bacterial, gas-responsive transcription factors and newly discovered types of heme-containing gas sensors. To learn more about these interesting systems, click on their image to the right.
