Biophysical Society Bulletin | December 2019

Publications

Know the Editor Sudha Chakrapani

Congratulations to the winners of the Biophysical Journal Poster Competition.

Case Western Reserve University Editor, Channels and Transporters

Sudha Chakrapani

What are you currently working on that excites you? I have a long-standing interest in molecular mechanisms that underlie ion-transport phenomenon across cellular mem- branes. My lab is focused on ion channels that mediate fast synaptic transmission at the neuronal and neuromuscular junction, namely, ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels. We are working toward understanding the molecular details of how these channels function and how they are modulated by membrane lipids, neurosteroids, and exogenous ligands, such as alcohols and anesthetics. Due to their highly dynamic nature and finicky functional requirements, eukaryotic mem- brane proteins have been a challenging system to study using structural and biophysical approaches. We are very excited about the recent technological advances allowing us to pur- sue some of the lingering mysteries in the field of pentameric ligand-gated ion channels (pLGIC). We use a combination of cutting-edge multidisciplinary tools including cryo-elec- tron microscopy (cryo-EM), pulsed-EPR spectroscopy, and electrophysiology. We recently solved the cryo-EM structure of the full-length 5-HT3AR, a cationic pLGIC, in its resting conformation and determined the structures of 5-HT3AR in serotonin-bound states. Together, these structures revealed the gating conformational states along the activation path- way. Ion channels seldom work alone; we are now looking into how the microenvironment of the channel in a cell alters its functional behavior. How do you stay on top of all the latest developments in your field? In the exciting scientific times that we are in, with the explo- sion of information, I am finding this harder to do. I am always looking for creative ways to keep up. I find reviewing for journals and study sections a really great way to stay on top of the latest developments. I learn a lot at focused thematic meetings such as the Gordon Research Conferences, and the Biophysical Society Annual Meeting is something I have never missed since I started graduate school. I rely on my trainees, who also happen to be much more social media savvy than I am, to keep me updated.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the Biophysical Journal Poster Competition held at the BPS Thematic Meeting “Biology and Physics Confront Cell-Cell Adhesion” in Aussois. The winners received a certificate and a monetary award. Student Winners: Kristian Blom, Max Planck Institute Cellular Adhesion Dynamics Under an External Force Valentin Dunsing, University of Potsdam Direct Quantification of Protein Interactions and Dynamics at Cell- Cell Adhesion Sites via Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy Chaoyu Fu, Mechanobiology Institute Ligand-Dependent EGFR Activity Promotes Dynamic Junction Remodeling Postdoc Winner: Hiroko Katsuno-Kambe, University of Queensland Relationship between Epithelial Tube Formation and Mechanical Forces in Three-Dimensional ECM For a list of all 2019 poster winners, visit https:/marlin-prod. literatumonline.com/pb-assets/journals/society/biophysj/ poster-winners.pdf Biophysical Journal Poster Contest award winners: from left, Blom, Dunsing, Fu, and Katsano-Kanbe

See Page 14 for Publications Related Events at #BPS20

December 2019

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