Colloquium: Studying Protein Structure, Function, and Dynamics by Mass Spectrometry

Speaker

Lars Konermann, Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Western Ontario

Abstract

Studying Protein Structure, Function, and Dynamics by Mass Spectrometry

Electrospray mass spectrometry can provide detailed insights into protein structures, dynamics, and interactions. This presentation will discuss the application of hydrogen exchange techniques for deciphering the inner workings of soluble and membrane-bound proteins. We will highlight experiments on ATP synthase, the world’s smallest rotational motor. By combining mass spectrometry data with molecular dynamics simulations, we were able to uncover intricate details of the inner workings of this motor protein. Another focus will be our work towards a thermodynamic framework for modeling temperature-dependent hydrogen exchange data, an approach that can map protein energy landscapes. We will also discuss recent work on the peroxidase activation mechanism of cytochrome c, an area that is closely related to the mechanism of apoptosis.

Bio

Lars Konermann is Professor of Chemistry at The University of Western Ontario in London, ON, Canada, with a cross-appointment in the Biochemistry Department. Konermann did his Ph.D. work at the Max-Planck-Institute in Mulheim/Germany (1996). After a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia (1996-1998) he moved to his current position at Western. Research in Konermann's laboratory focuses on biophysical and bioanalytical protein chemistry. Many of his projects involve the development and application of new mass spectrometry techniques and computational tools. Konermann is recipient of the CSC Aroca Award (formerly known as Maxxam Award), CSC McBryde Medal, CSC Beamish Award, UWO Bucke Science Prize, ETP Ken Standing Award, and CSMS Lossing Award. In 2015 he was named Distinguished Research Professor, and from 2004 to 2014 he held a Tier II Canada Research Chair. In 2018 he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC). Konermann also received a number of undergraduate teaching awards, and he serves as Chair of the Lake Louise Tandem Mass Spectrometry Workshop (www.lakelouisemsms.org).