The in vitro biological characterization of biomaterials is largely based on static cell cultures. However, for highly reactive biomaterials such as calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA), this static environment has limitations. Drastic alterations in the ionic composition of the cell culture medium can negatively affect cell behavior, which can lead to misleading results or data that is difficult to interpret. This challenge could be addressed by a microfluidics-based approach (i.e. on-chip), which offers the opportunity to provide a continuous flow of cell culture medium and a potentially more physiologically relevant microenvironment. The aim of this work was to explore microfluidic technology for its potential to characterize CDHA, particularly in the context of inflammation. Two different CDHA substrates (chemically identical, but varying in microstructure) were integrated on-chip and subsequently evaluated. We demonstrated that the on-chip environment can avoid drastic ionic alterations and increase protein sorption, which was reflected in cell studies with RAW 264.7 macrophages. The cells grown on-chip showed a high cell viability and enhanced proliferation compared to cells maintained under static conditions. Whereas no clear differences in the secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were found, variations in cell morphology suggested a more anti-inflammatory environment on-chip. In the second part of this study, the CDHA substrates were loaded with the drug Trolox. We showed that it is possible to characterize drug release on-chip and moreover demonstrated that Trolox affects the TNF-α secretion and morphology of RAW 264.7 ​cells. Overall, these results highlight the potential of microfluidics to evaluate (bioactive) biomaterials, both in pristine form and when drug-loaded. This is of particular interest for the latter case, as it allows the biological characterization and assessment of drug release to take place under the same dynamic in vitro environment.

A biophysical model of a neocortical microcircuit system is formulated and employed in studies of neuromodulatory control of dynamics and function. The model is based on recent observations of reciprocal connections between pyramidal cells and inhibitory interneurons and incorporates a new type of activity-dependent short-term depression of synaptic couplings recently observed. The model neurons are of a low-dimensional type also accounting for neuronal adaptation, i.e. the coupling between neuronal activity and excitability, which can be regulated by various neuromodulators in the brain. The results obtained demonstrate a capacity for neuromodulatory control of dynamical mode linked to functional mode. The functional aspects considered refer to the observed resolution of multiple objects in working memory as well as the binding of different features for the perception of an object. The effects of neuromodulators displayed by the model are in accordance with many observations on neuromodulatory influence on cognitive functions and brain disorders.

Fluorescence microscopes enable the visualization of biological samples with high contrast by labeling specific structures with fluorescent molecules. However, the spatial resolution of widely used microscopy techniques, such as widefield and confocal microscopy, is limited by the size of a focused spot of light, which roughly corresponds to half the wavelength of the illumination. To overcome this limitation, optical fluorescence nanoscopy techniques were developed, which achieve a higher spatial resolution by switching the fluorescent molecules within the sample between bright and dark states. 

Optical fluorescence nanoscopy techniques can be divided into two categories. The first, namely coordinate-targeted nanoscopy, switches the fluorescent molecules in a spatially annotated way, where it is known where and when the switching is induced. Instead, in stochastic approaches, the emitting molecules appear randomly in the sample and their location can be annotated with high spatial precision. 

This thesis focuses on reversible saturable optical fluorescence transitions (RESOLFT), a coordinate-targeted nanoscopy technique that initially relied on a beam of light that is moved across the sample (i.e., point scanning). Beams of different shapes and wavelengths are synchronized in time to generate super-resolution images. However, this approach creates a trade-off between imaging speed and the field of view. While it can acquire small fields of view at a fast speed, imaging larger areas can take up to several minutes. To overcome this limitation, the molecular nanoscale live imaging with sectioning ability (MoNaLISA) microscope employs patterns of light to parallelize RESOLFT imaging, collecting the fluorescence at different points simultaneously.

Throughput in microscopy is characterized as the number of cells per unit of time and area that a microscope can image. Achieving high throughput enables capturing fast cell dynamics and understanding how they correlate over large fields of view, providing insights into biological processes. Therefore, in this thesis I developed strategies to increase the throughput of coordinate-targeted nanoscopy methods. 

Firstly, I was involved in the mathematical formulation of fluorophore switching and its relationship to image resolution, in order to provide a framework to relate different parameters to image quality (Paper I). Secondly, I developed ImSwitch, an open-source software for microscope control. It implements a software architecture that enables flexibility and adaptability between different microscopy modalities (Paper II). Thirdly, I built a setup that increases the field of view by more than four times than previous implementations of MoNaLISA (Paper III). Finally, I combined MoNaLISA and ImSwitch to provide a framework to parallelize image acquisition, reconstruction, and visualization using multiple computational units (Paper IV).

The constant development of novel microscopy methods with an increased number of dedicated hardware devices poses significant challenges to software development. On the onehand, software should control complex instruments, provide flexibility to adapt between different microscope modalities, and be open and resilient to modification and extension byusers and developers. On the other hand, the community needs software that can satisfy therequirements of the users, such as a user-friendly interface and robustness of the code. In this context, we present ImSwitch, based on the model-view-presenter (MVP) design pattern (Potel, 1996), with an architecture that uses polymorphism to provide a generalized solutionto microscope control. Consequently, ImSwitch makes it possible to adapt between different modalities and aims at satisfying the needs of both users and developers. We have alsoincluded a scripting module for microscope automation applications and a structure to efficiently share data between different modules, such as hardware control and image processing. Currently, ImSwitch provides support for light microscopy techniques but could be extendedto other microscopy modalities requiring multiple hardware synchronization. 

In-frame decoding in the ribosome occurs through canonical or wobble Watson-Crick pairing of three mRNA codon bases (a triplet) with a triplet of anticodon bases in tRNA. Departures from the triplet-triplet interaction can result in frameshifting, meaning downstream mRNA codons are then read in a different register. There are many mechanisms to induce frameshifting, and most are insufficiently understood. One previously proposed mechanism is doublet decoding, in which only codon bases 1 and 2 are read by anticodon bases 34 and 35, which would lead to -1 frameshifting. In E. coli, tRNA(GCU)(Ser3) can induce -1 frameshifting at alanine (GCA) codons. The logic of the doublet decoding model is that the Ala codon's GC could pair with the tRNA(Ser3 ')s GC, leaving the third anticodon residue U36 making no interactions with mRNA. Under that model, a U36C mutation would still induce -1 frameshifting, but experiments refute this. We perform all-atom simulations of wild-type tRNA(Ser3), as well as a U36C mutant. Our simulations revealed a hydrogen bond between U36 of the anticodon and G1 of the codon. The U36C mutant cannot make this interaction, as it lacks the hydrogen-bond-donating H3. The simulation thus suggests a novel, non-doublet decoding mechanism for -1 frameshifting by tRNA(Ser3) at Ala codons.

Being a key player in intercellular communications, nanoscale extracellular vesicles (EVs) offer unique opportunities for both diagnostics and therapeutics. However, their cellular origin and functional identity remain elusive due to the high heterogeneity in their molecular and physical features. Here, for the first time, multiple EV parameters involving membrane protein composition, size and mechanical properties on single small EVs (sEVs) are simultaneously studied by combined fluorescence and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, their correlation and heterogeneity in different cellular sources are investigated. The study, performed on sEVs derived from human embryonic kidney 293, cord blood mesenchymal stromal and human acute monocytic leukemia cell lines, identifies both common and cell line-specific sEV subpopulations bearing distinct distributions of the common tetraspanins (CD9, CD63, and CD81) and biophysical properties. Although the tetraspanin abundances of individual sEVs are independent of their sizes, the expression levels of CD9 and CD63 are strongly correlated. A sEV population co-expressing all the three tetraspanins in relatively high abundance, however, having average diameters of <100 nm and relatively low Young moduli, is also found in all cell lines. Such a multiparametric approach is expected to provide new insights regarding EV biology and functions, potentially deciphering unsolved questions in this field.

The work presented in this thesis describes how structural information about a protein can be acquired, and how it can be used to answer scientific questions about proteins’ function, their dynamic behaviour and their interactions with other proteins or ligands.

The catalytic function of the pyrimidine-degrading, drug metabolizing enzyme β-ureidopropionase (βUP) is dependent on the shift between oligomeric states. Substitution of amino acids H173 and H307 in the dimer-dimer interface and E207Q in the active site revealed that these are crucial for βUP activation. Inhibition studies of substrate-and product analogues allowed for a hypothesis that the ability to interact with F205 might distinguish activators from inhibitors. The first structure of the activated higher oligomer state of human βUP was determined using cryogenic electron microscopy, and confirmed that the closed entrance loop conformations and dimer-dimer interfaces are conserved between HsβUP and DmβUP. 

Interactions between the epigenetic drug target SET and MYND domain containing protein 3 (SMYD3) and possible inhibitors were investigated. A crystal structure confirmed the covalent bond of a rationally designed, targeted inhibitor to C186 in the active site of SMYD3. A new allosteric binding site was discovered using a biosensor screen with a blocked active site. Crystal structures revealed the location of the new binding site, and the binding mode of the (S)-and (R) enantiomers of the allosteric inhibitor. Lastly, a fragment based drug discovery approach was taken, co-crystallizing and soaking SMYD3 with hits from a fragment screen. This resulted in four crystal structures with weak electron density of fragments at several locations in the enzyme. 

The dynamic acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) is a homologue of a Cys-loop type ligand gated ion channel. Hits from various biosensor screens, of which some indicated conformational changes, were co-crystallized with AChBP. Seven crystal structures of AChBP in complex with hit compounds from the biophysical screens were determined. Small conformational changes in the Cys-loop were detected in several of the crystal structures, coinciding with the results from the biosensor screens.

In these studies, we explore new strategies for the investigation of the function and regulation of proteins relevant in drug discovery and optimization.

X-ray free-electron lasers have opened up the possibility of structure determination of protein crystals at room temperature, free of radiation damage. The femtosecond-duration pulses of these sources enable diffraction signals to be collected from samples at doses of 1000 MGy or higher. The sample is vaporized by the intense pulse, but not before the scattering that gives rise to the diffraction pattern takes place. Consequently, only a single flash diffraction pattern can be recorded from a crystal, giving rise to the method of serial crystallography where tens of thousands of patterns are collected from individual crystals that flow across the beam and the patterns are indexed and aggregated into a set of structure factors. The high-dose tolerance and the many-crystal averaging approach allow data to be collected from much smaller crystals than have been examined at synchrotron radiation facilities, even from radiation-sensitive samples. Here, we review the interaction of intense femtosecond X-ray pulses with materials and discuss the implications for structure determination. We identify various dose regimes and conclude that the strongest achievable signals for a given sample are attained at the highest possible dose rates, from highest possible pulse intensities.

Knowledge of the manganese oxidation states of the oxygenevolving Mn4CaO5 cluster in photosystem II (PSII) is crucial toward understanding the mechanism of biological water oxidation. There is a 4 decade long debate on this topic that historically originates from the observation of a multiline electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) signal with effective total spin of S = 1/2 in the singly oxidized S-2 state of this cluster. This signal implies an overall oxidation state of either Mn(III)(3)Mn(IV) or Mn(III)Mn(IV)(3) for the S-2 state. These 2 competing assignments are commonly known as "low oxidation (LO)" and "high oxidation (HO)" models of the Mn4CaO5 cluster. Recent advanced EPR and Mn K-edge X-ray spectroscopy studies converge upon the HO model. However, doubts about these assignments have been voiced, fueled especially by studies counting the number of flash-driven electron removals required for the assembly of an active Mn4CaO5 cluster starting from Mn(II) and Mnfree PSII. This process, known as photoactivation, appeared to support the LO model since the first oxygen is reported to evolve already after 7 flashes. In this study, we improved the quantum yield and sensitivity of the photoactivation experiment by employing PSII microcrystals that retained all protein subunits after complete manganese removal and by oxygen detection via a custom built thin-layer cell connected to a membrane inlet mass spectrometer. We demonstrate that 9 flashes by a nanosecond laser are required for the production of the first oxygen, which proves that the HO model provides the correct description of the Mn4CaO5 cluster's oxidation states.

Theoretical and in vitro experiments suggest that protein-folding cores form early in the process of folding, and that proteins may have evolved to optimize both folding speed and native-state stability. In our previous work (Chen et al., Structure, 14, 1401 (2006)), we developed a set of empirical potential functions and used them to analyze interaction energies among secondary-structure elements in two β-sandwich proteins. Our work on this group of proteins demonstrated that the predicted folding core also harbors residues that form native-like interactions early in the folding reaction. In the current work, we have tested our empirical potential functions on structurally-different proteins for which the folding cores have been revealed by protein hydrogen-deuterium exchange experiments. Using a set of 29 unrelated proteins, which have been extensively studied in the literature, we demonstrate that the average prediction result from our method is significantly better than predictions based on other computational methods. Our study is an important step towards the ultimate goal of understanding the correlation between folding cores and native structures.

Electrical impedance (EI) and phase angle (PHI) parameters in AC impedance spectroscopy are important electrical parameters in the study of medical pathology. However, little is known about their application in variation and genetic relationship studies of forest trees. In order to test whether impedance parameters could be used in genetic relationship analysis among conifer species, EI and PHI were measured in a seedling experiment test composed of Pinus tabuliformis, Pinus yunnanensis, and Pinus densata in a habitat of Pinus tabuliformis. The results showed that variations in both EI and PHI among species were significant in different electric frequencies, and the EI and PHI values measured in the two populations of P. densata were between the two parental species, P. yunnanensis and P. tabuliformis. These results show that these two impedance parameters could reflect the genetic relationship among pine species. This was the first time using the two AC impedance spectroscopy parameters to test the genetic relationship analysis between tree species, and would be a hopeful novel reference methodology for future studies in evolution and genetic variation of tree species.

The κ opioid receptor (κOR) is a member of G-protein-coupled receptors, and is considered as a promising drug target for treating neurological diseases. κOR selective 6′-GNTI was proved to be a G-protein biased agonist, whereas 5′-GNTI acts as an antagonist. To investigate the molecular mechanism of how these two ligands induce different behaviors of the receptor, we built two systems containing the 5′-GNTI-κOR complex and the 6′-GNTI-κOR complex, respectively, and performed molecular dynamics simulations of the two systems. We observe that transmembrane (TM) helix 6 of the κOR rotates about 4.6° on average in the κOR-6′-GNTI complex. Detailed analyses of the simulation results indicate that E2976.58 and I2946.55 play crucial roles in the rotation of TM6. In the simulation of the κOR-5′-GNTI system, it is revealed that 5′-GNTI can stabilize TM6 in the inactive state form. In addition, the kink of TM7 is stabilized by a hydrogen bond between S3247.47 and the residue V691.42 on TM1.

The serine type Deg/HtrA proteases are distributed in a wide range of organisms from Escherichia coli to humans. The cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 possesses three Deg protease orthologues: HtrA, HhoA and HhoB. Previously we compared Synechocystis 6803 wild type cells exposed to mild or severe stress conditions with a mutant lacking all three Deg proteases and demonstrated that stress had strong impact on the proteomes and metabolomes [1]. To identify the biochemical processes, which this protease family is involved in, here we compared Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 wild type cells with a mutant lacking all three Deg proteases grown under normal growth conditions (30 °C and 40 μmol photons m−2 s−1). Deletion of the Deg proteases lead to the down-regulation of proteins related to the biosynthesis of outer cell layers (e.g. the GDP mannose 4,6-dehydratase) and affected protein secretion. During the late growth phase of the culture Deg proteases were found to be secreted to the extracellular medium of the Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 wild type strain. While cyanobacterial Deg proteases seem to act mainly in the periplasmic space, deletion of the three proteases influences the proteome and metabolome of the whole cell. Impairments in the outer cell layers of the triple mutant might explain the higher sensitivity toward light and oxidative stress, which was observed earlier by Barker and coworkers [2].

Kv3 channels have distinctive gating kinetics tailored for rapid repolarization in fast-spiking neurons. Malfunction of this process due to genetic variants in the KCNC1 gene causes severe epileptic disorders, yet the structural determinants for the unusual gating properties remain elusive. Here, we present cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human Kv3.1a channel, revealing a unique arrangement of the cytoplasmic tetramerization domain T1 which facilitates interactions with C-terminal axonal targeting motif and key components of the gating machinery. Additional interactions between S1/S2 linker and turret domain strengthen the interface between voltage sensor and pore domain. Supported by molecular dynamics simulations, electrophysiological and mutational analyses, we identify several residues in the S4/S5 linker which influence the gating kinetics and an electrostatic interaction between acidic residues in alpha 6 of T1 and R449 in the pore-flanking S6T helices. These findings provide insights into gating control and disease mechanisms and may guide strategies for the design of pharmaceutical drugs targeting Kv3 channels. Here, Chi et al. report cryo-EM structures of the human Kv3.1a channel, revealing a unique arrangement of the cytoplasmic T1 domain, which allows the interactions with the C-terminal axonal targeting motif and key components of the gating machinery. These findings provide insights into the functional relevance of previously unknown interdomain interactions in Kv3 channels and may guide the design of new pharmaceutical drugs.

In this work, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) was used to investigate the effects of potassium iodide (KI) on the electronic-state population kinetics of a range of organic dyes in the visible wavelength range. Apart from a heavy atom effect promoting intersystem crossing to the triplet states in all dyes, KI was also found to enhance the triplet-state decay rate by a charge-coupled deactivation. This deactivation was only found for dyes with excitation maximum in the blue range, not for those with excitation maxima at wavelengths in the green range or longer. Consequently, under excitation conditions sufficient for triplet state formation, KI can promote the triplet state buildup of one dye and reduce it for another, red-shifted dye. This anticorrelated, spectrally separable response of two different dyes to the presence of one and the same agent may provide a useful readout for biomolecular interaction and microenvironmental monitoring studies. In contrast to the typical notion of KI as a fluorescence quencher, the FCS measurements also revealed that when added in micromolar concentrations KI can act as an antioxidant, promoting the recovery of photo-oxidized fluorophores. However, in millimolar concentrations KI also reduces intact, fluorescently viable fluorophores to a considerable extent. In aqueous solutions, for the dye Rhodamine Green, an optimal concentration of KI of approximately 5 mM can be defined at which the fluorescence signal is maximized. This concentration is not high enough to allow full triplet state quenching. Therefore, as a fluorescence enhancement agent, it is primarily the antioxidative properties of KI that play a role.

For a spatially restricted excitation volume, the effective modulation of the excitation in time is influenced by the passage times of the molecules through the excitation volume. By applying an additional time-modulated excitation, the buildup of photoinduced reversible dark states in fluorescent molecules can be made to vary significantly with their passage times through the excitation volume. The variations in the dark state populations are reflected by the time-averaged fluorescence intensity, which thus can be used to characterize the mobilities of the molecules. The concept was experimentally verified by measuring the fluorescence response of freely diffusing cyanine fluorophores (Cy5), undergoingtrans-cis isomerization when subject to time-modulated excitation in a focused laser beam. From the fluorescence response, and by applying a simple photodynamic model, the transition times of the Cy5 molecules could be well reproduced when applying different laminar flow speeds through the detection volume. The presented approach puts no constraints on sample concentration, no requirements for high time resolution or sensitivity in the detection, nor requires a high fluorescence brightness of the characterized molecules. This can make the concept useful for a broad range of biomolecular mobility studies.

Fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging have a very broad spectrum of applicationswithin the life sciences, in particular for detection and characterization ofbiomolecular dynamics and interactions in different environments. This thesis comprisesprojects that strive to further expand the information content extracted fromthe detected fluorescence, leading to sensitive readout parameters for studies ofbiomolecular dynamics and interactions. Two major strategies are presented toachieve this aim. The first strategy is based on the expansion of the availablereadout parameters beyond the "traditional" fluorescence parameters: intensity,wavelength, polarization and fluorescence lifetime. The additional parameters arebased on blinking properties of fluorescent labels. In particular on transitions betweensinglet and triplet states, and transitions between the trans- and cis-isomersof fluorophores. Two publications in the thesis are based on this strategy (paperI and IV). The second strategy is based on the utilization of fluorescence intensityfluctuations in order to detect the oligomerization mechanisms of fluorescentlylabeled peptides and proteins. This strategy combines the intensity fluctuationanalysis and the readout of distance dependent energy transfer between fluorescentmolecules together with the correlation analysis of fluorescence from two labeledproteins emitting at different wavelengths. Another two publications presented inthe thesis are based on the second comprehensive strategy (papers II and III).The work presented in this thesis shows that the blinking kinetics of fluorescentlabels contain significant information that can be exploited by a combination of fluctuationsanalysis with distance dependent excitation energy transfer between thefluorescent molecules, or by analysis of fluorescence covariance between moleculesthat emit at different wavelengths. These fluorescence-based methods have a significantpotential for molecular interaction studies in the biomedical field.

By a combination of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) and transient state (TRAST)imaging, the triplet state kinetics of the membrane fluorophore 7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazole-4-yl(NBD) was studied in small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs). It was shown that spin-labels, included inSUV membranes together with the NBD-labeled lipids, induce prominent effects on the triplet statekinetics of NBD. The relative effects on the triplet state kinetics are considerably larger than thoseobserved in traditional fluorescence quenching studies, and can provide information about thelocalization and the interactions between the lipids in the SUVs, using considerably lowerconcentrations of spin-labeled lipids in the membranes. From the effects of the spin labels on thetriplet state kinetics of NBD, we revisited the folding behavior of NBD-labeled phospholipid chains inthe membranes. Our results indicate that the NBD probe on the acyl chain of the phospholipids do notunambiguously loop back towards the membrane surface, as previously reported, but may alternatebetween a straight and a folded acyl chain, with the NBD label at the surface, or deep into themembrane bilayer. Our study suggests that the triplet state parameters of NBD can provide anadditional set of orthogonal parameters, which can increase accuracy and precision of fluorescencebasedmolecular dynamics and interaction studies with NDB as a probe molecule.

Voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav channels) play an essential role in nerve impulse conduction in excitable cells. Thus, these channels are involved in several neurological and muscular disorders. Understanding their mechanism of functioning  is essential for designing drugs targeting them. These are tetrameric membrane proteins that selectively transport sodium ions across the membrane. They regulate ion flow by cycling through three main functional states - resting state, open state, and inactivated state. Structural biology techniques have captured Nav channels in several functional states. However, most of the structures are captured in the inactivated state. Although it is quite challenging to capture the open state experimentally because of its transient nature,  several structures of bacterial and eukaryotic Nav channels have been captured in the putative open state. However, a rigorous functional annotation of these open-state structures awaits. 

I performed molecular dynamics simulations to show that the experimental bacterial Nav channels captured in the putative open state, the pore was dehydrated and had a high free energy barrier for ion/drug permeation suggesting that these structures do not correspond to a functional open state. The pore-lining helices of these channels are 𝛼 helical. Sequence/structure conservation analysis showed the possibility of 𝜋-helices in the pore-lining helices. Introducing 𝜋-helices in the middle of these pore-lining helices hydrated the pore and removed the free energy barrier for ion/drug permeation. The 𝜋-helices might also be relevant for pore opening as they dehydrate the peripheral cavities/reduce the interactions between the hydrophobic pore-lining residues and hence allow the opening of the hydrophobic pore. Additionally, I also determined a disordered region in the C-terminal domain which is known to be relevant to pore opening.

I also studied the effect of 𝜋-helices on drug access and binding to sodium channels.  I found that 𝜋-helices in the bacterial Nav channel blocked the fenestrations irrespective of the pore diameter thus inhibiting drug access through the fenestrations. Exploring further on drug binding, I investigated lidocaine binding to different functional states which revealed that the drug binds in different orientations and positions across the functional states. This implies that there might be a change in the lidocaine-binding affinity as the channel cycles through different functional states. I also investigated the drug binding site and access pathway of cannabidiol in sodium channels and the effect of cannabidiol on membrane properties. Our computational results were complemented by experimental results. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that cannabidiol does not affect the membrane rigidity and causes an ordering of the membrane methylenes, which is in excellent agreement with the NMR results. Mutagenesis experiments show that cannabidiol blocks the pore by interacting with a phenylalanine residue which is in good agreement with our docking results. Adiabatic biased molecular dynamics simulations were performed to confirm the pathway for CBD to reach the pore is through the fenestrations in the ion channel. 

The idea of investigating the relevance of 𝜋-helices in pore-lining helices was extended to eukaryotic Nav channels as well. Eukaryotic channels are heterotetrameric, so the pore lining helices of different subunits might contribute differently to the channel function. I concluded that increasing the number of 𝜋-helices not only increased the pore hydration and ion conductance but also reduced the barrier for ion permeation. 𝜋-helices in pore-lining helices of subunit-I and subunit-IV in an expanded pore are essential for a functional open state.

Putting the above results together, I show that the bacterial experimental structures initially proposed to represent open states might correspond instead to inactivated states. In eukaryotes, the experimental structure initially proposed to represent the open state corresponds to a sub-conductance open state. Thus, I propose that a 𝜋 to 𝛼 helix transition and vice-versa might be relevant to the gating of Nav channels. By showing these results I would like to highlight the importance of rigorously annotating experimental structures and assigning their functional states. Finally, I would also like to highlight the power of molecular dynamics simulations to not only rigorously annotate experimental structures but also to provide atomistic details to explain experimental results. 

Voltage-gated sodium channels are heterotetrameric sodium selective ion channels that play a central role in electrical signaling in excitable cells. With recent advances in structural biology, structures of eukaryotic sodium channels have been captured in several distinct conformations corresponding to different functional states. The secondary structure of the pore lining S6 helices of subunit DI, DII, and DIV has been captured with both short π-helix stretches and in fully α-helical conformations. The relevance of these secondary structure elements for pore gating is not yet understood. Here, we propose that a π helix in at least DI-S6, DIII-S6, and DIV-S6 results in a fully conductive state. On the other hand, the absence of π-helix in either DI-S6 or DIV-S6 yields a sub-conductance state, and its absence from both DI-S6 and DIV-S6 yields a non-conducting state. This work highlights the impact of the presence of a π-helix in the different S6 helices of an expanded pore on pore conductance, thus opening new doors towards reconstructing the entire conformational landscape along the functional cycle of Nav Channels and paving the way to the design of state-dependent modulators.

Voltage-gated sodium channels are heterotetrameric sodiumselectiveion channels that play a central role in electrical signaling in excitablecells. With recent advances in structural biology, structures of eukaryoticsodium channels have been captured in several distinct conformationscorresponding to different functional states. The secondary structureof the pore lining S6 helices of subunits DI, DII, and DIV has beencaptured with both short & pi;-helix stretches and in fully & alpha;-helicalconformations. The relevance of these secondary structure elementsfor pore gating is not yet understood. Here, we propose that a & pi;-helixin at least DI-S6, DIII-S6, and DIV-S6 results in a fully conductivestate. On the other hand, the absence of & pi;-helix in either DI-S6or DIV-S6 yields a subconductance state, and its absence from bothDI-S6 and DIV-S6 yields a nonconducting state. This work highlightsthe impact of the presence of a & pi;-helix in the different S6helices of an expanded pore on pore conductance, thus opening newdoors toward reconstructing the entire conformational landscape alongthe functional cycle of Nav Channels and paving the way to the design of state-dependent modulators.

Voltage-gated sodium channels play an important role in electrical signaling in excitable cells. In response to changes in membrane potential, they cycle between nonconducting and conducting conformations. With recent advances in structural biology, structures of sodium channels have been captured in several distinct conformations, which are thought to represent different functional states. However, it has been difficult to capture the intrinsically transient open state. We recently showed that a proposed open state of the bacterial sodium channel NavMs was not conductive and that a conformational change involving a transition to a pi-helix in the pore-lining S6 helix converted this structure into a conducting state. However, the relevance of this structural feature in other sodium channels, and its implications for the broader gating cycle, remained unclear. Here, we propose a comparable open state of another class of bacterial channel from Aliarcobacter butzleri (NavAb) with characteristic pore hydration, ion permeation, and drug binding properties. Furthermore, we show that a pi-helix transition can lead to pore opening and that such a conformational change blocks fenestrations in the inner helix bundle. We also discover that a region in the C-terminal domain can undergo a disordering transition proposed to be important for pore opening. These results support a role for a pi-helix transition in the opening of NavAb, enabling new proposals for the structural annotation and drug modulation mechanisms in this important sodium channel model. We propose a new conformational cycle for NavAb wherein an alpha- to pi-helix transition in S6 and disordering of the neck region of the C-terminal domain is important for pore opening.

We demonstrate a method for investigating natural killer (NK) cell aggression against ultrasound-assisted human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 solid tumors in a multi-well microdevice. We quantify the activity of human primary IL-2 activated NK cells against HepG2 tumors for up to five days and we present the correlation between NK cell numbers versus average tumor volume and final tumor outcome (growth or defeat). We suggest future applications on formation of tumors originated from primary tumors cells and other tumor components as well as primary NK originating from the patient for use in personalized immunotherapy.

Proteins fold and function inside cells which are environments very different from that of dilute buffer solutions most often used in traditional experiments. The crowded milieu results in excluded-volume effects, increased bulk viscosity and amplified chances for inter-molecular interactions. These environmental factors have not been accounted for in most mechanistic studies of protein folding executed during the last decades. The question thus arises as to how these effects-present when polypeptides normally fold in vivo-modulate protein biophysics. To address excluded volume effects, we use synthetic macromolecular crowding agents, which take up significant volume but do not interact with proteins, in combination with strategically selected proteins and a range of equilibrium and time-resolved biophysical (spectroscopic and computational) methods. In this review, we describe key observations on macromolecular crowding effects on protein stability, folding and structure drawn from combined in vitro and in silico studies. As expected based on Minton's early predictions, many proteins (apoflavodoxin, VlsE, cytochrome c, and S16) became more thermodynamically stable (magnitude depends inversely on protein stability in buffer) and, unexpectedly, for apoflavodoxin and VlsE, the folded states changed both secondary structure content and, for VlsE, overall shape in the presence of macromolecular crowding. For apoflavodoxin and cytochrome c, which have complex kinetic folding mechanisms, excluded volume effects made the folding energy landscapes smoother (i. e., less misfolding and/or kinetic heterogeneity) than in buffer. 

Proteins fold and function inside cells that are crowded with macromolecules. Here, we address the role of the resulting excluded volume effects by in vitro spectroscopic studies of Pseudomonas aeruginosa apoazurin stability (thermal and chemical perturbations) and folding kinetics (chemical perturbation) as a function of increasing levels of crowding agents dextran (sizes 20, 40, and 70 kDa) and Ficoll 70. We find that excluded volume theory derived by Minton quantitatively captures the experimental effects when crowding agents are modeled as arrays of rods. This finding demonstrates that synthetic crowding agents are useful for studies of excluded volume effects. Moreover, thermal and chemical perturbations result in free energy effects by the presence of crowding agents that are identical, which shows that the unfolded state is energetically the same regardless of method of unfolding. This also underscores the two-state approximation for apoazurin’s unfolding reaction and suggests that thermal and chemical unfolding experiments can be used in an interchangeable way. Finally, we observe increased folding speed and invariant unfolding speed for apoazurin in the presence of macromolecular crowding agents, a result that points to unfolded-state perturbations. Although the absolute magnitude of excluded volume effects on apoazurin is only on the order of 1–3 kJ/mol, differences of this scale may be biologically significant.

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is essential in life. In its intrinsic apoptotic pathway opposing members of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein family control the permeability of the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) and the release of apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c. Any misregulation of this process can cause disorders most prominently cancer, where often upregulation of cell protecting (anti-apoptotic) Bcl-2 members such as the Bcl-2 membrane protein itself plays a notorious role by blocking MOM perforation by - often drug induced - apoptotic proteins such as Bax which would cause cancer cell death normally. Here, we apply neutron reflectometry (NR) on supported lipid bilayers which mimic MOM environment and solid state/liquid state NMR spectroscopy to unravel the molecular basis driving opposing proteins to interact with each other at the MOM; a mechanism which is not really understood yet due to lack of high-resolution structural insight. Based on our central hypothesis that Bcl-2 drives its cell-protecting function at a membrane-embedded location as revealed by NR (1), we focus i) to determine the structure of human Bcl-2 protein in its membrane setting by combining solution and solid-state NMR; ii) use NR to study the kinetics and lipid/protein pore assemblied upon binding of Bax to mitochondrial membranes and its membrane destroying activities there; and iii) unravel the nature of direct interaction between Bcl-2 and Bax to neutralize each other. Knowledge generated here, will be indispensable in understanding the regulative function of the Bcl-2 family at mitochondrial membranes.

Apotosis is an essential process tightly regulated by the Bcl-2 protein family where proapoptotic Bax triggers cell death by perforating the mitochondrial outer membrane. Although intensively studied, the molecular mechanism by which these proteins create apoptotic pores remains elusive. Here, we show that Bax creates pores by extracting lipids from outer mitochondrial membrane mimics by formation of Bax/lipid clusters that are deposited on the membrane surface. Time-resolved neutron reflectometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed two kinetically distinct phases in the pore formation process, both of which were critically dependent on cardiolipin levels. The initially fast adsorption of Bax on the mitochondrial membrane surface is followed by a slower formation of pores and Bax-lipid clusters on the membrane surface. Our findings provide a robust molecular understanding of mitochondrial membrane perforation by cell-killing Bax protein and illuminate the initial phases of programmed cellular death. Bax initiates apoptosis by perforating mitochondrial membranes via formation of pores and extramembranous Bax-lipid complexes.

Kinetochores are protein complexes on the chromosomes, whose function as linkers between spindle microtubules and chromosomes is crucial for proper cell division. The mechanisms that facilitate kinetochore capture by microtubules are still unclear. In the present study, we combine experiments and theory to explore the mechanisms of kinetochore capture at the onset of meiosis I in fission yeast. We show that kinetochores on homologous chromosomes move together, microtubules are dynamic and pivot around the spindle pole, and the average capture time is 3-4 minutes. Our theory describes paired kinetochores on homologous chromosomes as a single object, as well as angular movement of microtubules and their dynamics. For the experimentally measured parameters, the model reproduces the measured capture kinetics and shows that the paired configuration of kinetochores accelerates capture, whereas microtubule pivoting and dynamics have a smaller contribution. Kinetochore pairing may be a general feature that increases capture efficiency in meiotic cells.

Selenium and sulfur are two closely related basic elements utilized in nature for a vast array of biochemical reactions. While toxic at higher concentrations, selenium is an essential trace element incorporated into selenoproteins as selenocysteine (Sec), the selenium analogue of cysteine (Cys). Sec lyases (SCLs) and Cys desulfurases (CDs) catalyze the removal of selenium or sulfur from Sec or Cys and generally act on both substrates. In contrast, human SCL (hSCL) is specific for Sec although the only difference between Sec and Cys is the identity of a single atom. The chemical basis of this selenium-over-sulfur discrimination is not understood. Here we describe the X-ray crystal structure of hSCL and identify Asp146 as the key residue that provides the Sec specificity. A D146K variant resulted in loss of Sec specificity and appearance of CD activity. A dynamic active site segment also provides the structural prerequisites for direct product delivery of selenide produced by Sec cleavage, thus avoiding release of reactive selenide species into the cell. We thus here define a molecular determinant for enzymatic specificity discrimination between a single selenium versus sulfur atom, elements with very similar chemical properties. Our findings thus provide molecular insights into a key level of control in human selenium and selenoprotein turnover and metabolism.

Environmental cues influence the highly dynamic morphology of microglia. Strategies to characterize these changes usually involve user-selected morphometric features, which preclude the identification of a spectrum of context-dependent morphological phenotypes. Here we develop MorphOMICs, a topological data analysis approach, which enables semiautomatic mapping of microglial morphology into an atlas of cue-dependent phenotypes and overcomes feature-selection biases and biological variability. We extract spatially heterogeneous and sexually dimorphic morphological phenotypes for seven adult mouse brain regions. This sex-specific phenotype declines with maturation but increases over the disease trajectories in two neurodegeneration mouse models, with females showing a faster morphological shift in affected brain regions. Remarkably, microglia morphologies reflect an adaptation upon repeated exposure to ketamine anesthesia and do not recover to control morphologies. Finally, we demonstrate that both long primary processes and short terminal processes provide distinct insights to morphological phenotypes. MorphOMICs opens a new perspective to characterize microglial morphology.

Voltage-gated potassium channels open at depolarized membrane voltages. A prolonged depolarization causes a rearrangement of the selectivity filter which terminates the conduction of ions - a process called slow or C-type inactivation. How structural rearrangements in the voltage-sensor domain (VSD) cause alteration in the selectivity filter, and vice versa, are not fully understood. We show that pulling the pore domain of the Shaker potassium channel towards the VSD by a Cd2+ bridge accelerates C-type inactivation. Molecular dynamics simulations show that such pulling widens the selectivity filter and disrupts the K+ coordination, a hallmark for C-type inactivation. An engineered Cd2+ bridge within the VSD also affect C-type inactivation. Conversely, a pore domain mutation affects VSD gating-charge movement. Finally, C-type inactivation is caused by the concerted action of distant amino acid residues in the pore domain. All together, these data suggest a reciprocal communication between the pore domain and the VSD in the extracellular portion of the channel.

Functioning and processing of membrane proteins critically depend on the way their transmembrane segments are embedded in the membrane. Sphingolipids are structural components of membranes and can also act as intracellular second messengers. Not much is known of sphingolipids binding to transmembrane domains (TMDs) of proteins within the hydrophobic bilayer, and how this could affect protein function. Here we show a direct and highly specific interaction of exclusively one sphingomyelin species, SM 18, with the TMD of the COPI machinery protein p24 (ref. 2). Strikingly, the interaction depends on both the headgroup and the backbone of the sphingolipid, and on a signature sequence (VXXTLXXIY) within the TMD. Molecular dynamics simulations show a close interaction of SM 18 with the TMD. We suggest a role of SM 18 in regulating the equilibrium between an inactive monomeric and an active oligomeric state of the p24 protein, which in turn regulates COPI-dependent transport. Bioinformatic analyses predict that the signature sequence represents a conserved sphingolipid-binding cavity in a variety of mammalian membrane proteins. Thus, in addition to a function as second messengers, sphingolipids can act as cofactors to regulate the function of transmembrane proteins. Our discovery of an unprecedented specificity of interaction of a TMD with an individual sphingolipid species adds to our understanding of why biological membranes are assembled from such a large variety of different lipids.

Membrane proteins mediate processes that are fundamental for the flourishing of biological cells. Membrane-embedded transporters move ions and larger solutes across membranes; receptors mediate communication between the cell and its environment and membrane-embedded enzymes catalyze chemical reactions. Understanding these mechanisms of action requires knowledge of how the proteins couple to their fluid, hydrated lipid membrane environment. We present here current studies in computational and experimental membrane protein biophysics, and show how they address outstanding challenges in understanding the complex environmental effects on the structure, function, and dynamics of membrane proteins.

The neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) drives critical inhibitory processes in and beyond the nervous system, partly via ionotropic type-A receptors (GABA_ARs). Pharmacological properties of ρ-type GABA_ARs are particularly distinctive, yet the structural basis for their specialization remains unclear. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of a lipid-embedded human ρ1 GABA_AR, including a partial intracellular domain, under apo, inhibited, and desensitized conditions. An apparent resting state, determined first in the absence of modulators, was recapitulated with the specific inhibitor (1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid and blocker picrotoxin and provided a rationale for bicuculline insensitivity. Comparative structures, mutant recordings, and molecular simulations with and without GABA further explained the sensitized but slower activation of ρ1 relative to canonical subtypes. Combining GABA with picrotoxin also captured an apparent uncoupled intermediate state. This work reveals structural mechanisms of gating and modulation with applications to ρ-specific pharmaceutical design and to our biophysical understanding of ligand-gated ion channels.

The biological influence of radiation on living matter has been studied for years; however, several questions about the detailed mechanism of radiation damage formation remain largely unanswered. Among all biomolecules exposed to radiation, DNA plays an important role because any damage to its molecular structure can affect the whole cell and may lead to chromosomal rearrangements resulting in genomic instability or cell death. To identify and characterize damage induced in the DNA sugar-phosphate backbone, in this work we performed x-ray absorption spectroscopy at the P K-edge on DNA irradiated with either UVA light or protons. By combining the experimental results with theoretical calculations, we were able to establish the types and relative ratio of lesions produced by both UVA and protons around the phosphorus atoms in DNA.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most versatile and successful gene delivery systems, notably highlighted by their use in vaccines against COVID-19. LNPs have a well-defined core-shell structure, each region with its own distinctive compositions, suited for a wide range of in vivo delivery applications. Here, we discuss how a detailed knowledge of LNP structure can guide LNP formulation to improve the efficiency of delivery of their nucleic acid payload. Perspectives are detailed on how LNP structural design can guide more efficient nucleic acid transfection. Views on key physical characterization techniques needed for such developments are outlined including opinions on biophysical approaches both correlating structure with functionality in biological fluids and improving their ability to escape the endosome and deliver they payload.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are cationic peptides that kill bacteria with a broad spectrum of action, low toxicity to mammalian cells and exceptionally low rates of bacterial resistance. These features have led to considerable efforts in developing AMPs as an alternative antibacterial therapy. In vitro studies have shown that AMPs interfere with membrane bilayer integrity via several possible mechanisms, which are not entirely understood. We have performed the synthesis, membrane lysis measurements, and biophysical characterization of a novel hybrid peptide. These measurements show that PA-Pln149 does not form nanopores, but instead promotes membrane rupture. It causes fast rupture of the bacterial model membrane (POPG-rich) at concentrations 100-fold lower than that required for the disruption of mammalian model membranes (POPC-rich). Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed for single and multiple copies of PA-Pln149 in the presence of mixed and pure POPC/POPG bilayers to investigate the concentration-dependent membrane disruption by the hybrid peptide. These simulations reproduced the experimental trend and provided a potential mechanism of action for PA-Pln149. It shows that the PA-Pln149 does not form nanopores, but instead promotes membrane destabilization through peptide aggregation and induction of membrane negative curvature with the collapse of the lamellar arrangement. The sequence of events depicted for PA-Pln149 may offer insights into the mechanism of action of AMPs previously shown to induce negative deformation of membrane curvature and often associated with peptide translocation via non-bilayer intermediate structures.

Whilst rigid, planar surfaces are often used to study cell migration, a physiological scenario requires three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds with tissue-like stiffness. This paper presents a method for fabricating periodic hydrogel scaffolds with a 3D honeycomb-like structure from colloidal crystal templates. The scaffolds, made of hydrogel-walled cavities interconnected by pores, have separately tuneable internal dimensions and adjustable gel stiffness down to that of soft tissues. In conjunction with confocal microscopy, these scaffolds were used to study the importance of cell compliance on invasive potential. Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) cells were differentiated with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and treated with paclitaxel. Their migration ability into the scaffolds' size-restricted pores, enabled by cell softening during ATRA differentiation, was significantly reduced by paclitaxel treatment, which interferes with cell shape recovery. These findings demonstrate the usability of the scaffolds for investigating factors that affect cell migration, and potentially other cell functions, in a realistic 3D tissue model.

Diseases caused by pathogenic agents such as bacteria and viruses result in devastating costs on personal and societal levels. However, it is not just the emergence of new diseases that is problematic. Antibiotic resistance among bacteria makes uncomplicated infections difficult and lethal. Resilient disease-causing spores spread in hospitals, the food industry, and water supplies requiring effective detection and disinfection methods. Further, we face complex neurological diseases where no effective treatment or diagnostic methods exist. Thus, we must increase our fundamental understanding of these diseases to develop effective diagnostic, detection, disinfection, and treatment methods.

Classically, the methods used for detecting and studying the underlying mechanics of pathogenic agents work on a large scale, measuring the average macroscopic behavior and properties of these pathogens. However, just as with humans, the average behavior is not always representative of individual behavior. Therefore, it is also essential to investigate the characteristics of these pathogens on a single cell or particle level. 

This thesis develops and applies optical techniques to characterize pathogenic biomaterial on a single cell or particle level. At the heart of all these studies is our Optical Tweezers (OT) instrument. OT are a tool that allows us to reach into the microscopic world and interact with it. Finally, by combining OT with other experimental techniques, we can chemically characterize biomaterials and develop assays that mimic different biological settings. Using these tools, we investigate bacterial adhesion, disinfection, and detection of pathogenic spores and proteins.

Hopefully, the insights of these studies can lessen the burden on society caused by diseases by helping others develop effective treatment, diagnostic, detection, and disinfection methods in the future. 

Adhesion pili assembled by the chaperone-usher pathway are superelastic helical filaments on the surface of bacteria, optimized for attachment to target cells. Here, we investigate the biophysical function and structural interactions that stabilize P pili from uropathogenic bacteria. Using optical tweezers, we measure P pilus subunit-subunit interaction dynamics and show that pilus compliance is contour-length dependent. Atomic details of subunit-subunit interactions of pili under tension are shown using steered molecular dynamics (sMD) simulations. sMD results also indicate that the N-terminal “staple” region of P pili, which provides interactions with pilins that are four and five subunits away, significantly stabilizes the helical filament structure. These data are consistent with previous structural data, and suggest that more layer-to-layer interactions could compensate for the lack of a staple in type 1 pili. This study informs our understanding of essential structural and dynamic features of adhesion pili, supporting the hypothesis that the function of pili is critically dependent on their structure and biophysical properties.

Spore-forming bacteria that cause diseases pose a danger in our society. When in spore form, bacteria can survive high temperatures and resist a plethora of disinfection chemicals. Effective disinfection approaches are thus critical. Since a population of bacterial spores is heterogeneous in many aspects, single spore analyzing methods are suitable when heterogeneous information cannot be neglected. We present in this work a high-resolution Laser Raman optical tweezers that can trap single spores and characterize their Raman spectra. We first evaluate our system by measuring Raman spectra of spores, and purified DNA and DPA. Thereafter, we expose Bacillus thuringiensis spores to peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide, and sodium hypochlorite, which are common disinfection chemicals. The data reveals how these agents change the constitutes of a spore over time, thus improving on the mode of action of these disinfection chemicals.

Spore-forming bacteria that cause diseases pose a danger in our society. When in spore form, bacteria can survive high temperatures and resist a plethora of disinfection chemicals. Effective disinfection approaches are thus critical. Since a population of bacterial spores is heterogeneous in many aspects, single spore analyzing methods are suitable when heterogeneous information cannot be neglected. We present in this work a highresolution Laser Raman optical tweezers that can trap single spores and characterize their Raman spectra. We first evaluate our system by measuring Raman spectra of spores, and purified DNA and DPA. Thereafter, we expose Bacillus thuringiensis spores to peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide, and sodium hypochlorite, which are common disinfection chemicals. The data reveals how these agents change the constitutes of a spore over time, thus improving on the mode of action of these disinfection chemicals.