Nozomi Ando, Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Cornell University

Host: Toshi Kawate

Dynamic Enzymes Beyond Bragg Diffraction

Crystal structures represent some of the landmark achievements of modern biology. Since its inception, X-ray crystallography has made enormous contributions to our understanding of life by revealing intricately detailed snapshots of proteins. However, structural biology suffers the reputation that it yields largely static information. My laboratory aims to challenge this notion by taking novel approaches in X-ray scattering, a technique with the potential to provide insight into dynamic processes where diffraction methods fail. We are particularly interested in applying such approaches to the problem of allostery and catalysis in dynamic enzymes. In this talk, I will give examples of how X-ray scattering from solutions and crystals can shed light into these complex mechanisms.

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