Current research and research goals
Nanoscale Surface Polarity Mapping of α-Synuclein Amyloid Fibrils
Using spectroscopic techniques
My research interests lie at the intersection of protein misfolding and neurodegenerative diseases, particularly focusing on the role of α-Synuclein (α-Syn) in Parkinson's disease pathology. My recent work has delved into the intricate structural arrangements of α-Syn amyloid fibrils, which are pivotal in driving neurodegeneration. By employing advanced spectroscopic techniques, we have elucidated the spatial distribution of surface polarity along these fibrils, shedding light on the nanoscale organization of polar and nonpolar domains within them. Our findings not only unveil the heterogeneous nature of α-Syn fibrils but also hint at the influence of structural polymorphism on their surface characteristics. Understanding the nuances of fibril architecture and surface polarity holds immense significance, as it could pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions aimed at disrupting fibril formation or mitigating their toxic effects. Moving forward, I am keen on exploring how these insights can be translated into novel imaging modalities for studying other complex biological systems with similar structural intricacies, thereby advancing our understanding of various protein misfolding disorders beyond Parkinson's disease.
Future goals
Effects of entanglement in cavity dynamics for long chains;
Dynamics of probes in diverse cavities - Statistical analyses of probe dynamics;
Longer time (µs) simulations to monitor translational motion
sm-FRET setup
The plan of sm-FRET
The executed setup in our lab
Basic experiments done with the semiconductor microcrystal heterostructures for optimization of the setup
Future prospect
Conjugation of donors and acceptors for SM-FRET to polymer chains. Dual dye labelling remains a challenge!
Develop surface modification/passivation methods to minimize non-specific blinding of donors/acceptors
Optimization of the SM-FRET setup to investigate structural changes and dynamics in biopolymers.