We are interested in synthetic biology. We use genetic engineering experiments and theoretical models of gene regulatory networks. Emphasis is placed on the development of multiscale models for synthetic biology, using statistical mechanics principles. We are developing stochastic-discrete, stochastic-continuous and deterministic-continuous models of kinetics of biomolecular interactions involved in transcription, translation, regulation and induction. Download the new Synthetic Biology Software Suite, available for Windows, Mac and Linux machines (http://synbioss.sourceforge.net/)

With sophisticated algorithms, we are teaching bacteria new tricks, to respond to our signals producing biomolecules on demand. We are also experimenting with novel gene cirquits with applications in gene therapies and biosensing.

We are also interested in the molecular aspects of protein functionality, protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions. Structural bioinformatics solutions and molecular dynamics simulations are developed that tackle the protein sequence-structure-function relationship both from an evolutionary and a biophysical perspective. The goal is the design of novel biopharmaceutical products, such as antimicrobial peptides.

Prof. Kaznessis also directs the University of Minnesota Bioinformatics Summer Institute, a summer undergraduate education program funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. For more information go to www.bsi.umn.edu.