Nano@Tech seminars continue with Dr. Khalid Salaita, assistant professor of biomolecular chemistry at Emory University, on "Cell Receptors use the Force: Fluorescence-based Molecular Tension Sensing in Living Systems."

Due to current budget restraints, lunch is provided only to those who have preregistered.

Abstract:
While much is known about the identity and location of biomolecules that make up living cells, little is known about their mechanical state. The characteristic morphology of cells also implies that physical inputs are precisely tuned across a wide range of length scales – from the molecular to the macroscopic. Consequently, it seems rational to conclude that forces are directly transmitted through specific proteins, but direct evidence is generally lacking. To address this challenge, we are interested in developing methods to measure molecular force transmission at the cell surface. We combine state-of-the-art nanopatterning techniques and advanced fluorescence-based sensors to manipulate and characterize receptors on the surface of live cells. A fluorescence-based turn-on sensor is developed for mapping the mechanical tension exerted through specific ligand-receptor interactions. The force sensor can quantify biomolecular forces with high spatial and temporal resolution on cell receptors and can be integrated within a 96-well plate format. We demonstrate the utility of this approach mapping the molecular forces associated with endocytosis.

About the Speaker:
Khalid Salaita received his BSc in Chemistry from the Old Dominion University (2000) and PhD in Chemistry from Northwestern University (2006). After a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California-Berkeley he joined the Dept. of Chemistry at Emory University where he is currently an Assistant Professor. Prof. Salaita has numerous publications, conference presentations and patents. His research at the interface of materials, inorganic, and biological chemistry has been recognized with several awards, including a recent Cancer Research Award from the Georgia Cancer Coalition.