Lukas F. Milles
Physics and Center for Nanoscience (CeNS)
Hermann Gaub - Ludwig-Maximilians-University
Munich, Germany

Friday, July 14, 2017
1:30 pm (CT)
3269 Beckman Institute

Abstract

Adhesins of pathogenic Staphylococci mediate the invasion of their human hosts, while evading immune system response. Some of these protein-protein interactions are specifically tailored to binding human extracellular matrix and immune system targets. Using AFM based single molecule force spectroscopy and steered molecular dynamics simulations, we investigate the mechanical strength of a prototypical adhesin. The forces these complexes can withstand are surprisingly high - both in vitro and in silico. The interplay between experiments and mutations inspired by simulations deciphered the mechanism responsible for this unusual mechanical strength.