Data Collection to Structure Refinement and Beyond
Human DCAF1 is a multidomain protein that plays a critical role in protein homeostasis. Its WDR domain functions as a substrate recruitment module for RING-type CRL4 and HECT family EDVP E3 ubiquitin ligases, enabling the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of specific substrates. DCAF1’s activity has been implicated in cell proliferation and is documented to promote…
The cytoskeleton in cells can play mechanical and transportation roles. Such networks, when confined, have properties that are not like that of bulk networks. We show how a self-consistent field theory approach allows the calculation of density and polarisation density profiles within a confined space, and associated prediction of mechanical properties [1]. We also contrast…
Transient Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) are central mediators of protein activity and signaling network and their modulation has significant impact on cell metabolism and regulation. They are therefore considered promising, albeit challenging, opportunities to expand druggable chemical space. However, due to the transient nature of these interactions, this class of PPIs is particularly challenging to characterize…
Quantum biology is an exciting field of research with a pronounced interdisciplinary focus. This lecture will cover a short history of quantum biology before clarifying some of the important concepts in the field and reviewing the different biological contexts in which quantum effects may play a role, which include photosynthesis, enzyme catalysis, DNA mutation, receptor…
HIV-1 protease is a critical enzyme for viral maturation and one of the most well-studied proteins in structural biology. While much attention has focused on its active site, there is interest in how the enzyme might interact with small molecules at other regions on its surface. In particular, some of these potential sites, called cryptic…
This talk will focus on early-stage work in the Starbird lab to investigate the structural basis for how receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are activated in the context of cancer or diseased states as opposed to in normal signaling, as well as how we can utilize that information in therapeutic design. Current work is focused on…
Discover how STEM-evolved monoclonal antibodies outpaced SARS-CoV-2 variants, revealed by cryo-EM structural insights.
The Electron Microscope Unit (EMU) at the University of Cape Town was established over sixty years ago as a regional imaging core facility serving the needs of the biological and materials science communities. Researchers in the EMU, with help from international scientists, have established the first single-particle cryo-EM resource in Africa. We support projects ranging…