Professor Hassane Mchaourab - CANCELLED
Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN

Monday, October 4, 2010
3:00 pm (CT)
3269 Beckman Institute

Abstract

My laboratory uses spin labeling and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to define conformational motion that couple energy input to the movement of substrates in active transport. Specific examples include ABC transporters and bacterial homologs of neurotransmitter transporters. In addition to describing the amplitude and extent of the conformational changes, the EPR analysis is providing a unique perspective on the ensemble of conformational states. This approach provides a complementary perspective to crystallographic structures free of potential distortions from detergent solubilization and conformational selectivity in the confines of the crystal lattice.