Dr. Rajan Lamichhane (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)

Friday, November 4^th, 2022

1.00 – 2.00 PM
Venue: PG6 112
 

Abstract: Single-molecule methods are powerful techniques for studying complex and diverse biological processes because they provide detailed information about molecular mechanisms, which are hidden in conventional ensemble experiments. Understanding how the dynamic interactions between biomolecules control their assembly pathway will help us predict potential defects in such processes caused by different diseases. This information will guide us toward the design and development of therapeutics, targeting each step of assembly. Currently, we are focusing on understanding the conformational dynamics of G Protein-Coupled Receptor (GPCR). GPCRs are the largest family of membrane proteins in the human genome that play an essential role in signal transduction. GPCRs bind many extracellular ligands (hormones, neurotransmitters, nucleotides, peptides) and undergo conformational plasticity of 7 transmembrane domains that activate signal transduction pathways in the cell. Because of their involvement in many human physiological processes, they are the prominent targets for pharmaceutical drug development. Recent studies have shown that more than 35% of currently marketed drugs target these receptors. Despite their importance in human health, understanding receptor-ligand interactions at the molecular level is challenging because of technical limitations. We are using a single-molecule fluorescence (SMF) spectroscopic method to characterize the conformational dynamics of a GPCR upon interacting with distinct ligands in the native-like environment.

 

Short Bio: Dr. Rajan Lamichhane is an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He is originally from Nepal, where he graduated with a BSc and MSc in chemistry from Tribuvhan University. He received his PhD in Chemistry from Wayne State University in 2011.  He was a postdoctoral researcher at the Scripps Research institute before joining the faculty at UT in 2018, where his lab carries out research on single-molecule biophysics: website