When: 10 April, 2024, 15:30 - 16:30 CET
Speaker: Robin Curtis, University of Manchester, UK
Title: Using static light scattering to understand protein-protein and protein-solvent interactions
Abstract
The topic of the lecture is on measuring and understanding the molecular basis of protein-protein and protein-solvent interactions by static light scattering. A brief introduction to the theory underpinning static light scattering is covered. Then we discuss how measurements made as a function of solution conditions, salt concentration and pH, can be used to separate out electrostatic interactions from other short-ranged attractive forces between proteins and to elucidate the basis for specific ion effects. Lesser known is that light scattering measurements can also be used for measuring protein-solvent interactions in terms of preferential interaction parameters. Results are presented for preferential interaction parameters in solutions with sodium chloride, arginine chloride, or chemical denaturants, urea or guanidinium chloride.
We show for the first time how the preferential interaction parameter can be measured for the folded and the unfolded state at the same denaturant concentration and then compare protein-protein interactions for folded and unfolded proteins. The talk is concluded with a few examples relating dilute solution measurements of protein-protein interactions with concentrated solution properties such as phase behaviour and viscosity.
Bio
Robin Curtis obtained his PhD from the University of California at Berkeley and carried out post-doctoral research work at University of California Los Angeles and Rice University. Since 2003, he has worked at the University of Manchester. The research focus in the Curtis group is on determining protein-protein and protein-solvent interactions and linking them to solution properties such as protein aggregation kinetics, phase behavior (liquid-liquid phase separation, precipitation), and concentrated protein solution rheological properties. Simplified colloidal models are used for connecting interaction measurements to macroscopic phenomena. While most of the knowledge and understanding is directed towards research and development into biological medicines, his group is also interested in the molecular mechanisms for maintaining protein homeostasis in cellular environments. His research group collaborates closely with the biopharmaceuticals industry, in particular, formulation development and analytical groups.
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