Ronald T. Raines

Ronald T. Raines is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His research spans synthetic chemistry and cell biology, focusing on the chemical basis and biological purpose of protein structure and function. The Raines group employs interdisciplinary techniques to explore the relationship between amino-acid sequence and protein function, with applications in drug development and biomaterials. His work includes the discovery of an RNA-cleaving enzyme in clinical trials and the creation of synthetic collagens. Raines is also involved in developing methods for protein synthesis, folding, and delivery into human cells, as well as processes for converting biomass into fuels and chemicals.

Ronald T. Raines is a Firmenich Professor of Chemistry at MIT, specializing in chemical biology, protein chemistry, enzymology, and biofuels. His research explores the structure and stability of collagen, the chemical transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into furans for fuels and chemicals, and the development of bioconjugation methods. He investigates the role of n→π* interactions in proteins and the self-assembly of synthetic collagen triple helices. His work also includes studies on ribonuclease A, hydrolytic stability of hydrazones and oximes, and the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel in breast cancer. Raines' research bridges chemical biology and materials science, with applications in biomaterials and sustainable energy.