Although the human genome sequence provides a molecular blueprint of an organism, the information encoded in DNA is not enough to understand how living organisms function, since it has to be expressed through the synthesis of proteins. Proteins may be further modified, such as by glycosylation or phosphorylation, and must fold into a complex three-dimensional structure, which makes them highly specific and efficient as biological catalysts. We have been interested in protein structure and function for many years, and have now focused our interests on the abnormalities in the amount and/or function of proteins, which can give rise to diseases, such as cancer and genetic diseases. Understanding such defects can provide important leads to devising cures for diseases and improve the quality of life of the Thai people, which is the goal of the Chulabhorn Research Institute.
