Ribosomes are massive macromolecular complexes composed of proteins and RNAs and perform one of the most fundamental processes in all living cells—the synthesis of proteins. The binding interactions and assembly between proteins, RNA and various factors is key to proper ribosome biogenesis.
Brett Thurlow, Ph.D. shares his experience utilizing methodologies such as MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) to monitor and characterize the key factors involved in ribosome assembly. He shares examples detailing the fate, binding interactions and structure of immature particles that accumulate in assembly factor knockout or depletion strains.
Besides gaining a better understanding of the key molecules and the intricate interactions involved in ribosome assembly, Brett explores the potential of how this information can lead to the development of novel therapeutics that disrupt or perturb ribosome biogenesis and cellular pathways.
What you’ll learn
- The key factors that regulate ribosome biogenesis
- MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) provides quantitative binding affinity results between protein assembly factors
- Insights into ribosome assembly as a pathway for targeting novel antibiotics
About the speaker
Brett Thurlow has both a BMSc and MSc in Biochemistry from Western University in London, Ontario. He received his PhD in Biochemistry from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. His expertise is in how protein assembly factors aid in ribosome maturation in bacterial cells—specifically trying to quantify the binding interactions of protein factors directly with ribosome intermediates to better decipher the mechanism and regulation of ribosome biogenesis. Currently, Brett is an Application Specialist with NanoTemper Technologies. Brett enjoys hiking with his husky, sports and spending quality time with friends and family.
