Speaker: Prof. Shangyu Dang
Time: January 14th. 10:00 - 11:30am
Venue: Room 111, Lynn Library
Topic:Capturing the native structure of membrane protein using vesicles
Speaker:Prof. Shangyu Dang
Host:Prof. Maofu Liao
Time:January 14th. 10:00 - 11:30am
Venue:Room 111, Lynn Library
Abstract:
High-resolution structures of membrane proteins not only enhance our understanding of their molecular mechanisms but also facilitate drug development. However, structural studies of membrane proteins primarily rely on solubilization by detergents, which may not reflect their native states in a cellular context. In this talk, I will focus on our recent method that enables the structural determination of membrane proteins in their native lipid environment using vesicles. To tackle challenges during data processing, we also developed a micrograph-based sorting method for precise particle targeting, ultimately allowing us to achieve high-resolution structures. This method represents a promising and straightforward approach for studying the structure and function of membrane proteins in their native environment, eliminating the need for detergent screening and protein purification.
Brief introduction of the speaker:
Shangyu Dang received his Ph.D. from Tsinghua University in 2014 and subsequently moved to the University of California, San Francisco, for postdoctoral training. He is now an Assistant Professor in the Division of Life Science at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of biological macromolecules, with particular interests in membrane proteins and protein-DNA complexes. His lab employs various approaches, including single-particle cryo-EM, cryo-ET, biochemistry, and electrophysiology. Additionally, his team is dedicated to developing new methods in the fields of single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-ET to address recurring challenges and expand their applications.