RSS FeedUpcoming EventsMCB Postdocs Research Showcase, March 28https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/243456-mcb-postdocs-research-showcase

Featuring talks and posters from current MCB Postdocs, keynote speaker Christopher Barnes (Stanford), a career panel, a postdoc/faculty lunch and evening postdoc social mixer.

https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/243456-mcb-postdocs-research-showcase
Design and evolution of artificial metalloenzymes, April 1/live/events/232513-structural-quantitative-biology-seminar

Enzyme design represents a formidable challenge. We do not fully understand the rules of protein folding, and our knowledge of structure-function relationships in these macromolecules is at best incomplete. Nature has solved the problem of protein design through the mechanism of Darwinian evolution. From primitive peptidic precursors, recursive cycles of mutation, selection and amplification of molecules with favorable traits have given rise to all of the many thousands of gene products in every one of our cells. An analogous process of natural selection can be profitably exploited in silico and in the laboratory on a human time scale to create, characterize and optimize artificial catalysts for tasks unimagined by Nature. Recent progress in combining computational and evolutionary approaches for the design of artificial metalloenzymes will be discussed, together with insights into enzyme function gained from studies of the engineered catalysts.

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RNA Editing: Innate Immunity and Autoinflammatory Disease, April 2https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/243747-rna-editing-innate-immunity-and-autoinflammatoryAdenosine-to-Inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, catalyzed by ADAR enzymes, is prevalent in metazoans. Previous research, including our own, has revealed that the primary function of RNA editing by ADAR1 is to ensure sufficient editing of cellular double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), thereby preventing erroneous cytosolic MDA5-mediated dsRNA sensing. Mice lacking RNA editing by ADAR1 experience embryonic lethality but can live their full lifespan upon removal of MDA5. In humans, loss-of-function mutations in ADAR1 and gain-of-function mutations in MDA5 result in rare autoimmune diseases. Our recent work, through human genetics studies, reveals that RNA editing underlies genetic risk of common autoimmune and immune-related diseases. This well-established ADAR1-dsRNA-MDA5 axis serves as the foundation for therapeutic development in the treatment of cancer and autoinflammatory diseases.
This seminar is partially sponsored by NIH
Division(s): Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/243747-rna-editing-innate-immunity-and-autoinflammatory
ATP-dependent remodeling of hexasomes, nucleosomes and chromatin condensates, April 3https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/208547-divisions-of-biochemistry-biophysics-andATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes play critical roles on regulating access to DNA. Many remodeling complexes act on the smallest unit of chromatin, a nucleosome. Howeve, our recent work has indicated that unlike other chromatin remodeling complexes, the INO80 complex preferentially mobilizes subnucleosomal particles called hexasomes, which are formed during transcription. Why INO80 prefers hexasomes over nucleosomes remains unclear. Additionally, how the action of chromatin remodeling complexes at the nucleosome scale impacts higher-order chromatin organization is not well-understood. We find that preferential hexasome sliding by INO80 relies on novel mechanistic adaptations that slow the sliding of nucleosomes. We also find that the action of chromatin remodelers in phase-separated chromatin condensates causes decompaction of the condensates. In my talk I will share these and additional results where we are uncovering new types of biologically relevant activities of chromatin remodeling enzymes.
Division(s): Divisions of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology, Division of Cell Biology, Development & Physiology, and Genetics, Genomics, Evolution & Development
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/208547-divisions-of-biochemistry-biophysics-and
MTx Seminar, April 4https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/224087-mtx-seminarMTx Seminar
Division(s): MTx (Molecular Therapeutics)
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/224087-mtx-seminar
High-capacity and flexible cognitive representations from rigid low-dimensional attractors: a hippocampal model in which spatial representations are critical even for non-spatial memory, April 4https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209802-division-of-neurobiology-and-h-wills-neuroscienceHippocampal circuits in the brain enable two distinct cognitive functions: the construction of spatial maps for navigation and the storage of sequential episodic memories. This dual role remains an enduring enigma. While there have been significant advances in modeling spatial representations in the hippocampus, we lack good models of its role in episodic memory. Additionally, we now know that the spatial codes in grid and hippocampal cells generalize to represent non-spatial cognitive domains, but it is unclear why this arrangement might be advantageous. In this talk, I’ll discuss a neocortical-entorhinal-hippocampal network model that implements a high-capacity and flexible general associative memory, spatial memory, and episodic memory based on a scaffold of rigid, low-dimensional dynamics in grid cells and fixed random projections to the hippocampus. The circuit factorizes the problem of content storage from the problem of generating error-correcting stable states. Unlike existing neural memory models, which exhibit a memory cliff, the circuit exhibits a graceful tradeoff between the number of stored items and detail. The scaffold is also critical for constructing episodic memory: it enables high-capacity sequence memory by simplifying the chaining problem into one of learning low-dimensional transitions. The model recapitulates a number of hippocampal physiology results, and interestingly provides a potential explanation for the striking efficacy of the “memory palaces” technique of memory athletes.  
This seminar is partially sponsored by NIH
Division(s): Division of Neurobiology & H. Wills Neuroscience Institute
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209802-division-of-neurobiology-and-h-wills-neuroscience
Structural & Quantitative Biology Seminar, April 8/live/events/232524-structural-quantitative-biology-seminar

Structural & Quantitative Biology Seminar

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Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine Seminar, April 9https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209032-division-of-immunology-and-molecular-medicineThis seminar is partially sponsored by NIH
Division(s): Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209032-division-of-immunology-and-molecular-medicine
Division of Neurobiology and H. Wills Neuroscience Institute Seminar, April 11https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209801-division-of-neurobiology-and-h-wills-neuroscienceThis seminar is partially sponsored by NIH
Division(s): Division of Neurobiology & H. Wills Neuroscience Institute
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209801-division-of-neurobiology-and-h-wills-neuroscience
Marian E. Koshland Memorial Lecture, April 12https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/235027-marian-e-koshland-memorial-lectureMarian E. Koshland Memorial Lecture
Division(s): Marian E. Koshland Memorial Lecture Series
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/235027-marian-e-koshland-memorial-lecture
Structural & Quantitative Biology Seminar, April 15/live/events/206994-structural-quantitative-biology-seminar

Structural & Quantitative Biology Seminar

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Innate immune cell regulation by SLAM family receptors, April 16https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209031-division-of-immunology-and-molecular-medicineInnate immune cell regulation by SLAM family receptors
This seminar is partially sponsored by NIH
Division(s): Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209031-division-of-immunology-and-molecular-medicine
Division of Neurobiology and H. Wills Neuroscience Institute Seminar, April 19https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/222297-division-of-neurobiology-and-h-wills-neuroscienceThis seminar is partially sponsored by NIH
Division(s): Division of Neurobiology & H. Wills Neuroscience Institute
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/222297-division-of-neurobiology-and-h-wills-neuroscience
Cynthia A. Chan Memorial Lecture, April 22/live/events/224072-cynthia-a-chan-memorial-lecture

Cynthia A. Chan Memorial Lecture

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Towards a pan-sarbeovirus vaccine to protect against SARS-CoV-2 variants and animal sarbecoviruses without updating, April 24https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209030-alber-memorial-lecture-seminarDespite successful COVID-19 vaccines, there is an urgent need to combat future SARS-CoV-2 variants and spillovers of SARS-like betacoronaviruses (sarbecoviruses) threatening global health. We designed mosaic-8 protein nanoparticles that present randomly arranged sarbecovirus spike receptor-binding domains (RBDs) to elicit antibodies against epitopes that are conserved and relatively occluded rather than variable, immunodominant, and exposed. Epitope mapping by deep mutational scanning demonstrated increased targeting of conserved epitopes after mosaic-8 immunization. Our results suggest that vaccination with mosaic-8 RBD nanoparticles could protect against SARS-CoV-2 variants and future sarbecovirus spillovers.
Division(s): Alber Memorial Lecture
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209030-alber-memorial-lecture-seminar
Neuroscience Student Seminar Series Seminar, April 25https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209800-neuroscience-student-seminar-series-seminarDivision(s): Neuroscience Student Seminar Serieshttps://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209800-neuroscience-student-seminar-series-seminarStructural & Quantitative Biology Seminar, April 29/live/events/209985-structural-quantitative-biology-seminar

Structural & Quantitative Biology Seminar

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Bacterial and host contributors to Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis, April 30https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209029-division-of-immunology-and-molecular-medicineMycobacterium tuberculosis is a leading cause of death due to infection globally. The alarming rise of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) cases has made it clear that we are not equipped to successfully battle the TB epidemic. In order to develop new therapies, a better understanding of M. tuberculosis pathogenesis is required. M. tuberculosis interacts with many different types of immune cells during infection and the outcomes of these interactions directly contribute to the course of disease. This talk will highlight new discoveries of host and bacterial responses that impact disease outcomes.
This seminar is partially sponsored by NIH
Division(s): Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209029-division-of-immunology-and-molecular-medicine
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology Annual Alumni Seminar, May 1https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/232551-department-of-molecular-and-cell-biology-annualDepartment of Molecular & Cell Biology Annual Alumni Seminar
Division(s): Department of Molecular & Cell Biology
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/232551-department-of-molecular-and-cell-biology-annual
Marian E. Koshland Memorial Lecture, May 1https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/235031-marian-e-koshland-memorial-lectureMarian E. Koshland Memorial Lecture
Division(s): Marian E. Koshland Memorial Lecture Series
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/235031-marian-e-koshland-memorial-lecture
MTx Seminar, May 2https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/224086-mtx-seminarMTx Seminar
Division(s): MTx (Molecular Therapeutics)
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/224086-mtx-seminar
Neuroscience Student Seminar Series Seminar, May 2https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209799-neuroscience-student-seminar-series-seminarDivision(s): Neuroscience Student Seminar Serieshttps://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209799-neuroscience-student-seminar-series-seminarMarian E. Koshland Memorial Lecture, May 3https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/235030-marian-e-koshland-memorial-lectureMarian E. Koshland Memorial Lecture
Division(s): Marian E. Koshland Memorial Lecture Series
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/235030-marian-e-koshland-memorial-lecture
Divisions of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Division of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology, and Genetics, Genomics, Evolution and Development, May 15https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/208546-divisions-of-biochemistry-biophysics-andDivisions of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology, Division of Cell Biology, Development & Physiology, and Genetics, Genomics, Evolution & Development
Division(s): Divisions of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology, Division of Cell Biology, Development & Physiology, and Genetics, Genomics, Evolution & Development
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/208546-divisions-of-biochemistry-biophysics-and
Division of Neurobiology and H. Wills Neuroscience Institute Seminar, May 16https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209798-division-of-neurobiology-and-h-wills-neuroscienceThis seminar is partially sponsored by NIH
Division(s): Division of Neurobiology & H. Wills Neuroscience Institute
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209798-division-of-neurobiology-and-h-wills-neuroscience
Divisions of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Division of Cell Biology, Development and Physiology, and Genetics, Genomics, Evolution and Development Seminar, May 22https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/208545-divisions-of-biochemistry-biophysics-andDivisions of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology, Division of Cell Biology, Development & Physiology, and Genetics, Genomics, Evolution & Development Seminar
Division(s): Divisions of Biochemistry, Biophysics & Structural Biology, Division of Cell Biology, Development & Physiology, and Genetics, Genomics, Evolution & Development
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/208545-divisions-of-biochemistry-biophysics-and
Division of Neurobiology and H. Wills Neuroscience Institute Seminar, May 23https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209797-division-of-neurobiology-and-h-wills-neuroscienceThis seminar is partially sponsored by NIH
Division(s): Division of Neurobiology & H. Wills Neuroscience Institute
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/209797-division-of-neurobiology-and-h-wills-neuroscience
Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine Seminar, Nov. 5https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/223659-division-of-immunology-and-molecular-medicineThis seminar is partially sponsored by NIH
Division(s): Division of Immunology and Molecular Medicine
https://events.berkeley.edu/mcb/event/223659-division-of-immunology-and-molecular-medicine