Metals in Cells 
Many (~30%) gene products require metals. Remarkably, we do not understand how proteins acquire the correct metal since this can not be determined solely by affinity. ICaMB is making a unique contribution to understanding how cells supply metals to proteins via the actions of:
- Metal-sensing transcriptional-regulators
- Metal-transport proteins
- Metal-storage proteins
- Metallochaperones
- The proteins’ own metal-coordination sphere
A further research focus is the investigation of the influence of metal-coordination spheres on catalysis.
Research is supported by superb facilities including:
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry via flame or furnace (SRIFII funds)
- EPR spectrometry with helium cryostat (OneNE funds)
- Anaerobic chambers dedicated to handling metalloproteins including an inbuilt microscope for generating anaerobic crystals
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