The Rudenko lab uses a variety of tools to determine the precise three-dimensional shape and function of biological molecules. Solving the structure of complex bio-molecules is a key to understanding the disease process and may play a role in designing drugs. Their latest work is focused on a class of protein molecules that play a key role in the brain’s ability adapt to physical and chemical insults. Rudenko plans to study other macromolecules as well that are crucial to the brain, and influence how we function and feel.