[Seminar] Uncovering the enigmatic Co(II)-transporting P-type ATPases

Seminar

Title: Uncovering the enigmatic Co(II)-transporting P-type ATPases

Speaker: Tamin Al-Jubair

Affiliation: Dept. of Translational Medicine, Lund University

Host: Maria Arménia Carrondo

Abstract:

Homeostasis and detoxification of cobalt are crucial for cell viability and function. Cobalt-transporting P-type ATPases (Co(II)-ATPases) are central for tight regulation of the cellular levels of this metal, allowing active transport of Co(II)-ions from the cytoplasm across cellular membranes. Nevertheless, our understanding of the structure and the molecular determinants of these proteins is still very limited. The aim of this study is to decipher the molecular mechanism of Co(II)-ATPases using an interdisciplinary approach centered on X-ray crystallography. The aim is to thereby shed light on the overall architecture, the stoichiometry, how metal-specificity is established, and to reveal how Co(II) transport takes place. Furthermore, since homologous proteins are not available in human, and because they are crucial for the infection of pathogenic bacteria, Co(II)-ATPases are potential drug targets for developing novel antibiotics to combat the rising threat of multidrug resistant bacteria. Thus, successful results from the suggested research will provide a framework for future efforts in basic science and biomedical research.