Seminar: "Role of Small Charged Biomolecule in Neurodegenerative Diseases"

The study of non-bonding interactions has transcended the exclusive domain of physical chemists employing spectroscopy and computer simulations. With the advent of molecular biology, non-bonding interactions have emerged as pivotal factors in comprehending the structures and functionalities of biomolecules, including DNA and proteins. Among these non-bonding interactions, ionic interactions stand out as the most robust forces mediating interactions between anionic and cationic molecules. When scrutinizing the intracellular milieu, non-bonding interactions, particularly those of the ionic nature, wield significant influence over protein-protein and DNA-protein interactions. Consequently, we hypothesized that protein aggregation or phase separation, known contributors to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Lou Gehrig's diseases, may also be governed by these ionic interactions. Given the highly charged nature of disease-related proteins, a substantial charge disparity exists, making self-aggregation in the absence of cofactors a formidable challenge. Our research has yielded a compelling insight: small charged biomolecules play a pivotal role in facilitating the formation of protein condensates through ionic interactions within cellular environments.

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https://umd.zoom.us/j/91212338898?pwd=Z0F6VzV3bDBtQ3JQL0lZMnJQVE1kUT09

Meeting ID: 912 1233 8898
Passcode: 805224

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