WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
Mechanical forces are integral to biological function, influencing multiple processes such as cellular adhesion, muscle function, and transport processes. From a molecular perspective, these cellular functions are underpinned by the activity of biomolecules that are mechanically stretched, and which conformational response to force determines their function. Studying such force-activated molecular processes cannot be approached with classic biochemistry techniques, requiring the implementation of single-molecule methods, that enable us to understand how typical biochemistry processes, such as molecular dynamics, binding interactions, or chemical modifications, are regulated by mechanical force.
In this workshop, hosted at Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile, we will explore the current experimental and theoretical approaches to understnad how mechanical forces influence biology at the molecular and cellular level. The workshop will include lectures from researchers working in the field of single-molecule force spectroscopy and mechanobiology, research talks, and practical sessions on experimental data analysis.
Program
Location: Universidad Mayor (Campus Manuel Montt) Room MNSS-602
Wednesday October 22ND
9:00-9:15 Opening remarks
9:15-10:00 Intro to mechanical forces in biology and overview of single-molecule force spectroscopy techniques.
Speakers: Andrés Rivas-Pardo (U. Mayor) and Dr. Rafael Tapia-Rojo (KCL)
10:00-11:00 Protein nanomechanics.
Speaker: Dr. Rafael Tapia-Rojo (KCL)
11:00-11:30 Coffee Break
11:30-12:30, Cellular mechanobiology.
Speaker: Dr. Andrea Ravasio (PUC)
12:30-14:00 Lunch Break
14:00-15:00 Polymer Elasticity and Statistical Mechanics.
Speaker: Prof. Francisco Melo (USaCh)
15:00-15:30 Coffee Break
15:30-17:30 Practical Session: Computer Lab.
Thursday October 23rd
9:00-10:00 Single-Molecule Techniques I – AFM and Magnetic tweezers.
Speakers: Dr. Andres Rivas-Pardo (U Mayor) and Rafael Tapia-Rojo (KCL)
10:00-11:00 Single-Molecule Techniques II – Optical Tweezers.
Speaker: Dr. Christian Wilson (UCh)
11:00-11:30 Coffee Break
11:30-12:30 Thermodynamics of Protein Folding from Optical Tweezers.
Speaker: Dr. Christian Wilson (UCh)
12:30 – 14:00 Lunch Break.
14:00-15:00 Research Talk.
Speaker: Dr. Rafael Tapia-Rojo
15:30-17:30 Practical Session: Computer Lab.
Friday October 24th
9:00-10:00 Single-Molecule FRET.
Speaker: Exequiel Medina (UCh)
10:00-11:00 Research Talk.
Speaker: Cristina Bertocchi (PUC)
11:30-11:30 Coffee Break.
11:30-12:30 Research Talk.
Speaker: Dr. Andres Rivas-Pardo
12:30-12:45 Concluding Remarks.
12:45 Lunch
