Photoreceptor Dynamics

We are currently investigating a recently discovered blue-light photoreceptor cryptochrome, a sequence analogue of photolyase, but having a totally different function. This flavoprotein uses photon energy to synchronize the circadian clock. We are characterizing initial signaling-state formation and transduction in these complexes with state-of-the-art femtosecond spectroscopy. Dynamics and function are well synchronized by femtosecond pulse initiation and their temporal evolution will be directly probed. Complex recognition and conformational changes will be studied at longer time scales. Abnormal clock function causes a variety of diseases and syndromes and these studies will reveal molecular mechanisms of biological timing.