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SUMMARY:Structure and dynamics of molecular machines for brain cell commun
 ication - James Krieger
DTSTART:20161214T190000Z
DTEND:20161214T200000Z
UID:TALK69340@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Vasee
DESCRIPTION:Synapses\, the junctions between brain cells\, are believed to
  be key players in information processing and storage. Within neurons\, in
 formation is transmitted as electrical pulses\, which need to be faithfull
 y passed on to neighbouring cells. This is achieved through the use of a c
 hemical neurotransmitter that is released from the pre-synaptic cell and d
 iffuses across synapses to activate receptors on the post-synaptic cell\, 
 which in turn activate new electrical currents in that cell. Each cell has
  to process information from thousands of synapses and still obtain inform
 ation from each one\, requiring a great deal of fine-tuning of each synapt
 ic response. This depends on a number of factors including the number and 
 properties of the receptors as well as the morphology of the synapse. The 
 receptor properties are controlled at a number of levels including the int
 rinsic mechanism of the receptors themselves\, which can be modified by as
 sembly with other proteins. I will discuss my work into the mechanism of o
 ne type of receptor\, which binds the major excitatory neurotransmitter gl
 utamate. As with any molecular machine\, this requires a detailed understa
 nding of protein structure and dynamics and I will discuss various approac
 hes for obtaining this information.
LOCATION:YHA\, 97 Tenison Rd\, Cambridge CB1 2DN
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