Flatiron Institute Seminar Series: Pilar Cossio

Title: Challenges and solutions to unravel the molecular mechanisms of proteins

Abstract: Proteins are nano-sized biomachines that perform most of our vital functions. For example, proteins convert the food we eat into energy, allow for cells to replicate, and transmit electrical signals in our nervous system. In this talk, we will explore present challenges in understanding proteins in native-like environments: dealing with millions of atoms and reaching biologically-relevant time scales. I will then present methods developed at the structural and molecular biophysics group that unravel the molecular mechanisms of proteins using molecular dynamics simulations and cryo-electron microscopy.