Steven O. Smith

Steven O. Smith is a Professor and Director of Structural Biology in the Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Stony Brook University. He leads the Center for Structural Biology located in the Centers for Molecular Medicine. His research employs advanced biophysical techniques including solid-state NMR spectroscopy to investigate membrane protein structure and function.

Professor Smith's research focuses on:

• G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), particularly rhodopsin activation mechanisms and conserved structural motifs across receptor families
• Amyloid fibril formation in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, including structural characterization and inhibition strategies
• Cytokine receptor signaling and transmembrane domain interactions in hematopoietin receptors
• Membrane protein folding principles and helix-helix packing interactions
• Basic-aromatic clusters in peripheral membrane proteins and their role in signal regulation
• Ion channel gating mechanisms and phospholamban function in calcium regulation

His recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on membrane protein dynamics, particularly GPCR activation mechanisms and amyloid formation pathways. Research employs structural biology techniques (especially NMR) to characterize protein conformations in neurodegenerative disorders and cellular signaling systems, with recurring themes of transmembrane domain interactions, conformational changes, and aggregation mechanisms.

Professor Smith leads an active research group investigating membrane protein structure-function relationships and maintains extensive collaborations in structural biology and neuroscience research.