Special Physics Colloquium, "Polymers and Parkinson’s: Elucidating Protein Function through Soft Matter Paradigms and Techniques"

Presenter: Dr. Peter J. Chung, University of Chicago

Zoom Link: https://cuboulder.zoom.us/j/204912632

Abstract: Despite being unequivocally linked to Parkinson’s disease, the function of a-synuclein remains unclear beyond transiently binding to the lipid membrane of synaptic vesicles (organelles filled with neurotransmitters). This is due, in part, to its intrinsically disordered nature; a-synuclein does not fold into a globular structure and instead behaves much like a biopolymer. While precluding traditional characterization methods, this makes a-synuclein incredibly amenable to investigation via a polymer physics framework. First, through purpose-designed membrane nanoparticles and advanced synchrotron X-ray methods I will demonstrate that a-synuclein binds to and collectively interacts to sterically-stabilize membrane surfaces, a biological manifestation of polyelectrolyte-stabilized colloids. I will then reconcile observed transient binding to synaptic vesicles by establishing that a-synuclein preferentially binds to osmotically-stressed membranes (a proxy for neurotransmitter-filled synaptic vesicles), a newly discovered biophysical function by which a-synuclein interrogates organelle contents. Utilizing these insights, I will contextualize a-synuclein as a guidepost that spatiotemporally directs non-equilibrium synaptic vesicles, a conferred function uniquely possible through its polymeric properties.

Colloquium Host: Noel Clark

Monday, March 16, 2020 at 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Duane Physics and Astrophysics, G125
2000 Colorado Avenue, Boulder, CO 80309

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