Event Description
Jennifer C. Lee, PhD
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institutes of Health
Abstract
α-Synuclein is a neuronal protein involved in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease. A distinguishing cellular feature of the disease is the accumulation and deposition of α-synuclein amyloid fibrils. Importantly, membrane association of α-synuclein is associated with its biological function and implicated in pathogenesis. In our research, we aim to understand how amyloid formation is influenced by lipids and in turn, how the protein aggregation process may lead to deleterious α-synuclein interactions with membranes. In this talk, I will present our latest work to interrogate native α-synuclein-lipid interactions through the techniques of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and cellular unroofing, which uncovers an intact basal membrane that recapitulates the topology and complexity of the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. In addition, I will describe the development of unique Raman probes and the use of Raman spectral imaging to study α-synuclein fibrils in cells. Raman spectroscopy reports on intrinsic molecular vibrations such as the amide-I band, informing on secondary structure changes that occur during amyloid formation. Collectively, our spectroscopic interrogations of α-synuclein in cellular systems contribute towards a mechanistic understanding of amyloid fibrils and their behaviors in diseases.
Virtual Coffee Socialhttps://drexel.zoom.us/j/84039406677?pwd=WE96amE5RTVnL21zc2tpV" target="_blank">We are pleased to invite everyone in the Department to join us for a new virtual coffee social prior to the Virtual Colloquium. All are welcome to this informal departmental get-together, which will start at 3:15 pm and can be accessed through the Zoom link below. Meeting ID: 840 3940 6677Passcode: 363609 |
