Prof. Simon Scheuring (Weill Cornell Medical College, US)
Title of the talk: High-Speed Atomic Force Microscopy for Dynamic Single Molecule Structural Biology
High-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) is a powerful technique that provides dynamic movies of biomolecules at work. First, I will briefly review our recent developments to break temporal limitations to characterize molecular dynamics by developing HS-AFM line scanning (HS-AFM-LS) and HS-AFM height spectroscopy (HS-AFM-HS), and resolution limitations by developing Localization AFM (LAFM). Then, I will detail how we used HS-AFM to analyze membrane-embedded TRPV3 channels at the single-molecule level, and discovered a previously unobserved, transient, and reversible pentameric state in TRPV3. Finally, I will report about our most recent efforts to introduce single-molecule structural biology solving multiple structures of a single molecule along its functional timeline.
Prof. Yifan Cheng (HHMI/University of California San Francisco, US)
Title of the talk: Single particle cryo-EM of TRPV1, from atomic structure to gating mechanism
TRPV1 ion channel respond to diverse stimuli and conditionally conduct small and large cations. After determining its atomic structure, we continue to study the mechanisms of ligand-induced activations. I will present out latest structural studies of TRPV1 by advancing the technology of single particle cryo-EM.
Prof. Chan Cao (University of Geneva)
Title of the talk: Membrane proteins for single-molecule detection
Prof. Sara Liin (Linköping University)
Title of the talk: Modulation of cardiac Kv7.1/KCNE1 channel activity by fatty acids and endocannabinoids
The voltage-gated potassium (Kv) ion channel Kv7.1/KCNE1 plays an important role in tuning cardiac excitability. Kv7.1/KCNE1 has therefore been highlighted as a promising new pharmacological target to treat conditions like cardiac arrhythmia. In this overall project, we aim to understand how the Kv7.1/KCNE1 channel is activated by endogenous and synthetic fatty acids and endocannabinoids and how to utilize gained insights in rational drug development. We use electrophysiology techniques in combination with molecular dynamics simulations and synthetic chemistry to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying activating effects and how activation of Kv7.1/KCNE1 induces potentially anti-arrhythmic effects. We hope that our work will open new avenues for future development of more effective anti-arrhythmic drugs utilizing similar binding sites and mechanisms of action.
