Dr. Tohru Kozasa
Department of Pharmacology
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, IL

Monday, May 3, 2010
3:00 pm (CT)
3269 Beckman Institute

Abstract

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling is involved in nearly all aspects of cell physiology. GPCRs couple with heterotrimeric G proteins, which form transient protein-protein interactions with intracellular target molecules. X-ray crystallography has provided structures of GPCRs, G proteins, effector molecules, and their complexes. However, crystal structures can only provide static snap shots of transient protein-protein interactions. A combination of X-ray structure analysis and analysis of the dynamics of protein-protein interactions is essential. In this talk, I will focus on the GPCR signaling pathways in which heterotrimeric G proteins regulate the activity of Rho GTPases.

2:30 pm: Coffee hour Theoretical and Computational Biophysics Group area, 3rd Floor Beckman