NLM DIR Seminar Schedule

Abstract:

Computational analysis of sequence and structures of proteins is an effective method to decipher the biochemistry and biology of proteins. I will be presenting examples of such analysis from my past and current research, focusing on two distinct strategies that bacteria employ to combat external stress. One is a study of the Ter-dependent stress response system where I will present evidence that the ter gene products and their functional partners constitute previously underappreciated, chemical stress response and anti-viral defense systems of bacteria. The other is a study of proteins in sporulating bacteria like Bacillus that form spores to tide over stress due to nutrient starvation. I will present results from the sequence, structural and experimental analysis of some of the proteins that are important for the spore coat and cortex assembly.