National Institute on Aging
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Research Programs Intramural |
Molecular Dynamics Section |
Joseph Rifkind, Ph.D., Chief Senior Investigator |
The Molecular Dynamics Section (MDS) focuses on the interplay between structure and dynamics and how these influence biological function. The section is presently involved in studying the structural and dynamic factors in hemoglobin which regulate the binding of oxygen, the uptake and release of nitric oxide as well as autoxidation with its associated release of superoxide. The finding that autoxidation of hemoglobin is appreciably enhanced at reduced oxygen pressures, has lead to the proposal of a novel method for producing oxyradicals under hypoxic conditions. Studies are being performed on erythrocytes, interaction of erythrocytes with other tissues and with whole animals to determine to what extent this mechanism contributes to the pathophysiology of aging. |
Molecular Dynamics Section Biomedical Research Center, room 05B129 251 Bayview Boulevard, Suite 100 Baltimore, MD 21224-6825 |
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