Designing modular proteins by Dr. Fabio Parmeggiani

• Zoom link:  https://oist.zoom.us/j/97836093052?pwd=REtPS1o1QStOUFppYng1QTVuU2RMZz09
• Meeting ID: 978 3609 3052
• Passcode: 319741

Speaker: Dr. Fabio Parmeggiani, University of Bristol

Title: Designing modular proteins

Abstract:

Advances in computational methods allow, nowadays, the design of novel proteins not observed in Nature. However, design methods are usually limited to small proteins and symmetric systems, without the possibility to define large-scale structures with custom shapes.

Therefore, we developed ELFIN^1,2, a computational approach for design of custom proteins. It enables users to build protein structures with specific shapes, using experimentally validated repeat protein units³ as modular, compatible and rigid building blocks. Similar to DNA nanostructure design tools, we define a three-dimensional target shape and find the combination of building blocks that matches the target most closely.

We have used ELFIN to design custom structures and understand how building blocks properties can affect the overall structure and dynamics.

The goal is to provide a computational platform for rapid and reliable design of protein nanostructures that can self-assemble into signalling scaffolds, nanoparticles with custom shape and novel bio-materials.