Chemistry Weekly Seminar - David Sanders, University of Saskatchewan
David Sanders, Professor in the Department of Chemistry, University of Saskatchewan will present a seminar at 1:30 pm in Thorvaldson 159.
Title
Structural and Computational Studies of Enzyme Allostery
Abstract
Regulation of enzyme function is critical to proper cellular function. There are many different ways that cells can regulate enzyme activity, including transcription, post-translational modification, and small molecule inhibitors/activators. The enzyme dihydrodipicolinate synthase (DHDPS) controls the committed step in the meso-diaminopimelate biosynthetic pathway, converting pyruvate and aspartate semi-aldehyde to form dihydrodipicolinic acid. The pathway ultimately produces lysine and meso-diaminopimelate, two key components necessary for bacterial cell wall synthesis. DHDPS is regulated by allosteric feedback regulation by the end product of the pathway, lysine. We have determined structures of DHDPS from Campylobacter jejuni in the presence of lysine and a synthetic biomimetic inhibitor, bislysine.
In this talk, I will discuss our structural work and the insights we have gained for understanding the allosteric mechanism, and will introduce our current computational approaches for modelling potential mechanisms.
Date: Friday, February 2
Time: 1:30 pm
Place: Thorvaldson 159