Dr. Daniel DiMaio from the Yale School of Medicine will present a seminar entitled "Constructing Proteins with Minimal Chemical Complexity".

Abstract: Transmembrane domains are short membrane-spanning protein segments that anchor proteins in membranes and engage in important, highly specific protein-protein interactions. We have developed genetic techniques to construct and isolate artificial small transmembrane proteins that are biologically active.  We have used this approach to isolate the simplest proteins ever described. The study of these proteins will provide new insights into the structural basis for protein-protein interactions and the determinants of biological specificity and will inform plans for protein engineering. 

Speaker Bio: Dr. Daniel DiMaio is a professor in the Departments of Genetics, Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, and Therapeutic Radiology at Yale University and the Deputy Director of the Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center. His laboratory has been continuously funded by the NIH for 30 years, including more than 15 years as a principal investigator of a program project grant.  He is also a member of the Board of Scientific Advisors of the National Cancer Institute.

Refreshments will be served.