BPS2025 Full Program

Room 404AB: Monday, February 17 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC Spectral RICS​- Mapping Molecular Interactions in the Cellular Environment Speaker: Professor Jelle Hendrix – Hasselt University Spectral RICS combines LSM imaging with information about the behavior of proteins in their cellular environment. This integrated approach facilitates the identification of regions exhibiting diverse molecular characteristics. Uniquely, through spectral unmixing, Spectral RICS provides an optimal foundation for investigating protein-protein binding behavior. You will learn how Spectral RICs can be used to obtain unbiased information of protein interaction, explore protein mobility within the cellular context, and integrate confocal imaging with molecular characteristics. This talk will also cover the basics of raster image correlation spectroscopy (RICs), show how Spectral RICs helps to broaden the application possibilities for RICs by providing unbiased information on protein-protein interactions, and include application examples to highlight the power of Spectral RICs. The ZEISS Correlative Cryo Workflow: Connecting Cell Structure and Function in the Near-to-Native State Speaker: Philipp Bastiansn, Sales Manager, Life Science EM/XRM, Carl Zeiss Microscopy LLC Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has transformed structural biology by providing deep insights into the architecture and dynamics of biological macromolecules and cellular structures. Recent advancements in cryo-EM techniques have improved our ability to visualize complex biological systems in near-native states. While transmission electron microscopy (TEM) offers high-resolution imaging, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with focused ion beam (FIB) technology is essential for producing high-quality specimens for TEM. This talk will present the ZEISS solution for integrating cell and structural biology through a correlative cryo workflow that combines widefield, laser scanning microscopy (LSM), and FIB-SEM. This approach enables the preparation of targeted, high-quality samples for downstream TEM imaging. Attendees will learn how to examine cellular structures in their near-native state to address fundamental questions regarding protein organization and function. The ZEISS cryo correlative solution features hardware and software optimized for cryogenic workflows, including the localization of fluorescent macromolecules with the exceptional 3D resolution of LSM and Airyscan detection. It also includes high-contrast volume imaging and on-grid lamella thinning using ZEISS Crossbeam FIB SEM technology. This streamlined workflow enables high-resolution fluorescence imaging correlated with high-contrast volume imaging and 3D reconstruction, while also accommodating both cryo and room temperature samples.

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Nanion Technologies Novel Insights into Ion Channel and Transporter Research: From Silent Translocation to Deep Learning Tools Speaker: Tim Strassmaier, Director of Scientific Operations, Nanion Technologies For over 2 decades, Nanion Technologies has been providing diverse solutions for electrophysiologists worldwide. We aim to implement innovative technologies in the fields of ion channel automated patch clamp (APC) electrophysiology, monitoring of cell viability and contractility, as well as electrogenic transporters, with various throughput capabilities. Our symposium will start with an introduction by Dr. Tim Strassmaier who will describe the latest advances in Nanion’s assays and product portfolio, followed by our speakers, whose work focuses on ion channel and transporter research. Leveraging Deep Learning Tools to Design hASIC1a Modulators Speaker: Janina Sörmann, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Copenhagen Stroke is a leading cause of death and adult disability. Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in the central nervous system contribute to tissue damage after ischemic stroke but are underexplored therapeutic targets due to the lack of potent, selective, and stable inhibitors. During this presentation, Dr. Sörmann will describe de novo designed miniproteins capable of inhibiting hASIC1a by integrating deep learning tools in the drug discovery process and combined with functional analysis on the SyncroPatch 384. These computationally designed modulators offer high specificity, efficacy, and cost-effective synthesis, broadening accessibility for stakeholders. Benefits of SSME for the Investigation of the Lysosomal Ion Channels TMEM175, TPC2, and TRPmL1 Speaker: Rocco Zerlotti, Application Scientist, Nanion Technologies Solid-supported membrane-based electrophysiology (SSME) is a technique for studying transport and electrogenic activities in transporters, pumps, and ion channels, including those located in inner membranes such as mitochondria and lysosomes. Using a fluidic system for rapid solution exchange, transport or ion conductance are driven by substrate concentration gradients at zero membrane potential. Dr. Zerlotti will present a recent study focused on investigation of lysosomal channels TMEM175, TPC2 and TRPmL1. Measurements of K + and H + permeability in TMEM175, revealed two K + permeability coefficients and a PH/PK ratio consistent with literature. For TPC2, saturable Na + conductance with an EC50 of ~40 mM was observed, enhanced by the potentiator TPC2-A1P. SSME offers valuable insights into lysosomal channel function, complementing traditional patch-clamp techniques.

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