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SUMMARY:Formulating protein behaviour in nanospace: Key to rational glue s
 creening - Prof. Daishi Fujita\, Kyoto University iCeMS Institute for Inte
 grated Cell-Material Sciences
DTSTART:20240307T140000Z
DTEND:20240307T150000Z
UID:TALK212656@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Sharon Connor
DESCRIPTION:Understanding the interactions among biomolecules\, such as pr
 oteins and nucleic acids\, is fundamental to life's processes and remains 
 a central focus of biochemistry and molecular biology. To advance this und
 erstanding\, researchers mix relevant molecules in controlled extracellula
 r settings\, a method crucial for detailed examination of molecular intera
 ctions and a key technique in field evolution. The theoretical bedrock of 
 these experiments is chemical and enzyme kinetics\, established over a cen
 tury ago. Given its robustness and broad applicability\, the theory has re
 mained unaltered to this day. Yet\, with the advent of modern techniques f
 or molecular manipulation and observation\, once beyond the theory's fores
 ight\, there is now a significant opportunity to extend the theory\, facil
 itating new experimental designs. \nHere\, we revisit and expand the princ
 iples of chemical and enzyme kinetics to encompass a broader range of phen
 omena\, proposing an experimental setup that more closely mirrors intracel
 lular conditions. At first glance\, the proposed experimental system\, whi
 ch deals with particles confined within nanospaces\, might appear peculiar
  and unnatural\; however\, theoretical insights have demonstrated its clos
 er alignment with 'natural' processes\, defying initial assumptions. Illus
 tratively\, this approach has allowed for a fundamental derivation of Mich
 aelis-Menten equation\, a cornerstone formula in the field. We showcase it
 s practical utility through the successful screening of molecular glues\, 
 a task previously considered lacking a rational methodology. \nOur theoret
 ical framework does not merely open new experimental doors\; it also provi
 des a profound yet straightforward answer to the perennial question of why
  simple mixing of constituents in a test tube does not recreate life. Also
 \, it introduces measures for previously ambiguous concepts such as 'local
  concentration' in molecular interactions and 'artifacts' in biomolecular 
 modifications\, offering a foundation for the quantitative analysis of the
 se critical notions for the first time. The introduction of these measures
  promises to deepen our comprehension of molecular phenomena within cells.
 \n
LOCATION:Dept. of Chemistry\, Pfizer Lecture Theater
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