Natwi - Ursem & Schell

Session topic: Translational Studies of Protein Function

Tamara Kinzer-Ursem:
Multidisciplinary approaches for precise descriptions of protein function

Research project in the Kinzer-Ursem lab includes protein engineering, protein assay and technology development, and computational biology. Her research group is developing selective protein tagging and protein-surface conjugation methods that are coupled with nanotechnologies and other emergent techniques to rapidly isolate and characterize protein function and improve protein assay workflow. These technologies together with computational biology approaches are applied to the study of the spatiotemporal dynamics of Ca²⁺-dependent protein signaling networks that are the molecular basis of learning and memory.

This talk will describe our multidisciplinary approach. We are using computational methods to quantitatively characterize the most important spatial and temporal parameters that affect changes in neuronal synaptic strength. At a different scale, we are using chemical biology techniques to study protein translation and protein localization in vivo. Ultimately, these techniques will be combined to describe the molecular mechanisms that underlie cell and tissue function in normal and disease states.

Christoph Schell:

Firm grip at the glomerular filtration barrier - understanding the role of adhesome regulation in kidney disease and beyond

The glomerular filtration barrier consists of the glomerular basement membrane, endothelial cells and podocytes, and presents the most complex and effective filtration system of the human body. Dysfunction in any of these aforementioned three compartments results in glomerular pathology and often translates in chronic kidney disease. Regardless of the underlying etiology, podocytes (specialized epithelial cells) exhibit a uniform alteration in cellular morphology and dissolution of adhesion complexes in pathological conditions. The Schell laboratory strives to understand underlying pathological mechanisms integrating genetics, functional cell biology and animal models. A better understanding of adhesion complex remodeling might not only help to decipher pathogenic mechanisms but also to identify potential drugable targets.