The structural characterization of protein complexes in their native environment is challenging but crucial for understanding the mechanisms that mediate cellular processes. In this talk I will present an integrative approach to reconstruct the 3D architecture of protein complexes in vivo. We have combined cell engineering and light microscopy to determine the position of labeled proteins with a precision of 5 nm or better. I will present an example of this approach where we have elucidated the 3D architecture of the exocyst, a protein complex essential for exocitosis. We have obtained an unprecedented structural model for vesicle tethering and gained insight on the mechanisms that mediate exocyst function during exocytosis. This new methodology might help to tackle unsolved questions in other areas of membrane biology too.


Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 14:30. Seminar Room

Hosted by Prof. Melike Lakadamyali