Institute of Protein Biochemistry, CNR.

Via P. Castellino, 111 - 80131 Napoli

2013-2014 IBP Seminar Series

CNR Conference Room

Monday, February 24th, 2013 at 14:30

Prof. Joel L.Sussmann

Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel

"Molecular basis of how nerve agents & anti-Alzheimer drugs function: 3D structure of Acetylcholinesterase"

Host: Dr Giuseppe Manco

Tel. 081-6132296; e-mail: g.manco@ibp.cnr.it

Professor Joel L. Sussman is the recipient of Morton & Gladys Pickman Chair in the Structural Biology Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, Israel. Together with Prof. Israel Silman (Neurobiology), he is studying the 3D structure/function of nervous system proteins, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), cholinesterase-like adhesion molecules (CLAMs), snake toxins, β-glucosidase, β-secretase & paraoxonase. The goal is to find new leads for treating neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's Disease and autism. He is also studying intrinsically unstructured proteins and how proteins adapt to extreme environments, e.g. halotolerant proteins. In parallel, he has helped to establish the Israel Structural Proteomics Center (ISPC), and the Jean Goldwurm 3D Visualization Theater, where it is possible to view 3D images of protein structures. He is also involved in the EC Forum for European Structural Proteomics (FESP).