03
Apr

SCIENTÍFika series

Scientífika 03 April 2023, 13:45 - 14:30
Scientifika-webb

We warmly invite you to participate to our series of scientific seminars organised by the User Office at MAX IV.

Where (Zoom) call-in
When – Mondays 13:45 CET
Format – 30 minutes of presentation followed by 15 minutes of discussion, chaired by MAX IV staff

You can sign up for an email reminder to not miss any seminars.



If you wish to unsubscribe, please use the link at the end of the newsletter. We only use your e-mail address for sending you the digital newsletter, never for any other purposes.
More information on how Lund University processes personal data


Next talk in the PROGRAMME:

Monday 3rd April 2023, 13:45 CET  Onsite MAX III & Online – Zoom

Title:
From Off to On: How an Ion Sensitive Molecular Switch Controls Structure and Dynamics of Choline-O-Transferase

Speaker:  Fredrik Ekström – Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI)

Associated beamline: BioMAX

Abstract: Starting from choline and acetylcoenzyme A (AcCoA), the enzyme choline O acetyltransferase (ChAT) synthesizes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in neurons, T cells and B cells. Although ChAT plays a crucial role in acetylcholine metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system, there is still much to be discovered about its regulation and recognition of substrates and inhibitors. Understanding these mechanisms is important for manipulating ChAT’s function and its involvement in various diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and congenital myasthenic syndromes (CMF). ChAT is also a potential target for treating blood pressure disorders and intoxications caused by organophosphorus nerve agents. In this seminar, we will present recent structural, biochemical, and biophysical data that suggests that the conformational landscape of ChAT is more complex than previously thought. We propose that the regulation of ChAT involves a molecular switch that controls the structure and dynamics of ChAT. Our findings could have significant implications for understanding ChAT’s role in disease and its potential as a drug target.

*Read more about this seminar.