Physical Chemistry Seminar with Eric Jacobo and Jayson De Mers

About the event

Physical Chemistry Seminar
Presenter: Eric Jacobo and Jayson De Mers
Group: (Jacobo) Brozik (De Mers) Scudiero and Ha

Title (Eric Jacobo): P2X Receptors at the Single-Molecule Level: Past and Present

Abstract: Understanding the kinetics behind ligand-receptor interactions is fundamental in the process of pharmacological drug design. For ligand-gated ion channels, binding of an agonist triggers allosteric motions that opens an integral ion-permeable pore. Single channel studies have been able to infer the rate constants of ligands binding to their receptors by mathematically modeling the stochastic chemical interactions that correlate to the electrophysiological response with high temporal resolution. To date, there have been no previous reports of the direct measurement of the single-molecule binding events. In a recently published article, Direct Measurement of Single-Molecule Ligand–Receptor Interactions, the Brozik group reported the direct measurements, rate constants, and the free energy changes, which describe the transitions between the different binding sites of P2X1. P2X1 belongs to a nucleotide receptor family (P2 receptors, P2Rs) along with six others (P2X1-7). Points accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography or PAINT microscopy was used to observe the binding of ATP to the biding sites of P2X1 and discern the time-resolved single-molecule interactions to measure rate constants and thermodynamic forces. Future directions include running similar experiments with P2X7. P2X7 (P2X7R) is involved in inflammation and immunity in virtually all cells, making it an interesting drug target, however there is little known of its ligand-receptor structure and mechanisms.

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Title (Jayson De Mers): Hydrogen Adsorption / Absorption and The Effects on Palladium Nanoparticles as Catalysts

Abstract: Recent research utilizing palladium hydride nanoparticles (PdHx NP) for a variety of catalytic processes has produced anomalies that are currently unexplained.  Palladium is a studied material for its properties involved in catalysis, hydrogen purification and storage, and fuel cells, so these anomalies are worth exploring.  This presentation will be about what has been observed already of these phenomena, the scope of the research to examine them, and what is hoped to be learned.

Zoom Information:

https://wsu.zoom.us/j/93809153065?pwd=eHBWd28yYnVDQTVXVzdHQ0xGNEdEdz09

Meeting ID: 938 0915 3065

Passcode: 8j089e