The electron transport chain, located in the inner membrane of mitochondria, is a crucial system that utilizes the oxygen we breathe to generate ATP, the primary energy carrier of our body. The first four enzyme complexes establish a proton gradient across the membrane using oxygen, which is then harnessed by ATP synthase to drive ATP production. This enzyme synthesizes ATP, which powers numerous biochemical reactions essential for life.
In my research, I focus on bioenergetic protein complexes, such as Complex I and Photosystem II. Using computational approaches, I investigate the proton transfer mechanisms within these enzymes to understand their underlying mechanisms. By unravelling their function and examining enzyme variants linked to human diseases, we can contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies.