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
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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.