BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Talks.cam//talks.cam.ac.uk//
X-WR-CALNAME:Talks.cam
BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Building with DNA: From understanding to redesign of molecular mac
 hines - Professor Ulrich F Keyser\, Cavendish Laboratory
DTSTART:20191127T193000Z
DTEND:20191127T203000Z
UID:TALK130237@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Tommy Tai
DESCRIPTION:DNA – the molecule of life – is an ideal tool for building
  objects on nanometre length scale. Understanding the forces of interactio
 ns that form the double helix allows for exploiting DNA as a molecular sca
 ffold that assembles into any programmed three-dimensional object. DNA is 
 a transformative building material for experiments that require molecular 
 control over the shape of nanometre-sized objects. I will discuss examples
  of DNA based self-assembly for novel applications as well as the understa
 nding of biological systems.\n\nI will start by introducing DNA as a build
 ing material and show how one could realise a DNA-based computer exploitin
 g self-assembly. We developed a system that allows data to be stored in th
 e 3D structure of DNA\, read out and even changed –paving the way toward
 s data processing with molecules running only on entropy. Based on the sam
 e ideas I will show how one can translate three-dimensional structures of 
 molecules into electrical signals. Translation of structure into electrica
 l signals also enables multiplexed protein sensing surpassing current tech
 nologies.\n\nIn the second part of the talk\, I will use DNA to build func
 tional ion channels and enzyme mimics that can be interfaced with biologic
 al membranes. DNA structures can be transformed into ion channels via hydr
 ophobic modifications. These man-made systems span orders of magnitude in 
 molecular weight from single helices to large porins. Our DNA-based mimics
  exhibit voltage-activated characteristics as found in natural ion channel
 s. A combination of experiments and molecular simulations show that DNA io
 n channels act as enzymes that allow mixing of lipids between different le
 aflets of bilayers. In an outlook\, I will discuss how we can enable DNA b
 ased machines activated by temperature and may integrate these systems int
 o building artificial cells.\n\n\nAbout the Speaker:\n\nAfter obtaining hi
 s PhD in low-temperature quantum transport from the Leibniz University of 
 Hannover in Germany in 2002\, Professor Keyser changed his research focus 
 to single molecule biophysics by joining the Kavli Institute of Nanoscienc
 e at Delft University of Technology as a postdoctoral researcher. After de
 monstrating the first direct force measurements on DNA molecules in a nano
 pore\, he joined Leipzig University with an Emmy Noether award as a group 
 leader in 2006. Since 2007\, Professor Keyser is a faculty member at the C
 avendish laboratory working on the physics of membrane transport. He was p
 romoted to a readership in 2013 and a professorship in 2016.
LOCATION:Wolfson Lecture Theatre\,  Department of Chemistry\, Lensfield Ro
 ad
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR