ARC CCeMMP Research Symposium 2024

The Australian Research Council funded Centre, Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins (CCeMMP), is hosting a free in-person 2024 Research Symposium to showcase the exciting research and technological advances in the field of cryo-electron microscopy and membrane proteins and will feature keynote presentations from both academia and industry. CCeMMP invite the scientific community to attend and participate in the symposium on the 11th and 12th of November in Melbourne, Australia.

Keynote Speakers

This year, CCeMMP are excited to welcome two keynote speakers and our industry partner, presenting their cutting edge research.

Professor Renae Ryan

Renae Ryan is a Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology at the University of Sydney, Australia. She received her PhD from the University of Sydney in 2004 and completed postdoctoral work with at Columbia University and the National Institutes of Health (NINDS). Renae returned to the University of Sydney in 2007 where she leads a research team that investigates the molecular mechanisms of neurotransmitter and amino acid transporters and their role in cancer and neurological diseases, such as episodic ataxia. She has received several awards for scientific excellence, mentoring and outreach including the Nancy Millis Medal from the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Mentoring of Young Researchers. Renae is a globally respected leader and advocate for gender equity, diversity and inclusion, and a sought-after supervisor, mentor, and role model for women in science.

The twisted link between a dual function glutamate transporter and Episodic Ataxia

Excitatory Amino Acid Transporters (EAATs) regulate excitatory neurotransmission by transporting glutamate into cells, mostly glia, to terminate neurotransmission and to avoid neurotoxicity. EAATs also conduct chloride ions (Cl^–) via a channel-like process that is thermodynamically uncoupled from transport. The molecular mechanisms that allow these dual-function transporters to carry out two seemingly contradictory roles, and the physiological role of Cl^– conductance of the EAATs, are not clear. I will describe the cryo-electron microscopy structure of a glutamate transporter homologue in an open-channel state, revealing an aqueous-accessible Cl^– permeation pathway that is formed during the transport cycle and discuss the impact of a series of mutations in EAAT1 that have been identified in patients with the neurological disease episodic ataxia type 6 (EA6). By studying EAAT1 function and using a Drosophila melanogaster model of locomotor behaviour, our results indicate that mutations that lead to functional glutamate transport but either increased OR decreased Cl^– channel activity contribute to the pathology of EA6, highlighting the importance of Cl^– homeostasis in glial cells for proper central nervous system function. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism by which glutamate transporters support their dual functions and provides a framework for the rational development of therapeutics that can differentially modulate substrate transport or channel properties for the treatment of neurological disorders caused by EAAT dysfunction, such as Episodic Ataxia.

Assistant Professor Oliver Clarke

Oliver Clarke is an assistant professor at Columbia University, in the departments of anesthesiology and physiology. He earned his PhD from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, focusing on membrane protein crystallography under the mentorship of Dr. Jacqui Gulbis and Dr. Brian Smith. Moving to New York, he mastered single particle cryoEM in the lab of Wayne Hendrickson, using cryoEM to understand the architecture and gating mechanism of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor (RyR1). His laboratory employs structural and functional approaches to dissect complex molecular machines, with a particular focus on membrane proteins. Current research areas include the modulation of the ryanodine receptor by therapeutics and endogenous ligands, and the mechanism of ankyrin-mediated membrane protein clustering and its role in controlling cellular shape and membrane curvature.

Structural identification of the RY12 domain of RyR1 as an ADP sensor and the target of the malignant hyperthermia therapeutic dantrolene

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening pharmacogenetic condition triggered by volatile anesthetics, which activate pathogenic RyR1 mutants. The small molecule therapeutic dantrolene has long been used to treat MH. However, the binding site and mechanism of dantrolene remain unclear. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of RyR1 bound to dantrolene and the MH trigger agent 4-chloro-m-cresol (4CmC), revealing the dantrolene and 4CmC binding sites in atomic detail.Strikingly, in the absence of dantrolene, this site selectively binds two ADP molecules, suggesting a possible role in ATP/ADP ratio sensing.

Doctor Nie Xin

Dr. Nie is a Life Science Product Specialist at Thermofisher Scientific, specializing in Cryo Electron Microscopy (CryoEM) workflow applications, including single particle analysis, Cryo tomography, and Micro-Electron Diffraction. With extensive experience in CryoEM, Dr. Nie has successfully assisted various customers across APAC. Based in Singapore, Dr. Nie is responsible for driving Thermo Fisher’s life sciences electron microscopy business development and growth in APAC for academia and pharma. Before joining Thermofisher Scientific, Dr. Nie worked as a research scientist at the National University of Singapore and Temasek Lifescience Laboratory, focusing on in vivo chromatin organization using CryoEM and molecular approaches. 

New Advances in Cryo-Electron Microscopy: From Basic Research to Translational Science 

Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) continues to transform structural biology, particularly in the study of membrane proteins. This talk will highlight recent technological advancements in Cryo-EM workflows, featuring innovations such as the Tundra with Falcon C camera, Glacios 2, and Hydra Bio, alongside software updates like EPU, Tomo 5, and Tomo Live. 

The Tundra with Falcon C camera and Glacios 2 enhance high-resolution imaging and automation, while Hydra Bio optimizes sample preparation. EPU improves automated data acquisition and Tomo 5 and Tomo Live enable advanced 3D reconstructions in real-time. 

These advancements significantly enhance the precision and efficiency of Cryo-EM, driving forward both basic and translational research in membrane protein studies. Join us to explore how these tools are accelerating discoveries in structural biology and their potential impact on future scientific breakthroughs. 

Program

The PDF version of the program is available here.

Oral Presentation Abstracts

Dr. Nicholas Kirk, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Structure of the complete human PINK1-blocked TOM Complex

Isabella Russell, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Stabilisation methods for structural determination of ligand free parathyroid receptor 1 in complex with Gs protein

Dr. Matthew Johnson, The University of Melbourne

Characterisation of microbial dark matter by electron cryo-tomography

Fabian Munder, Monash University

High-affinity PQQ import is widespread in Gram-negative bacteria

Dr. Felix Bennetts, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Decoding the P2X1 receptor structural insights and drug development

Yiling Yu, The Florey

Identification of a high-affinity antagonistic nanobody against a challenging GPCR target

Dr. Winnie Tan, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

MORC2 is a phosphorylation-dependent DNA compaction machine

Dr. Hongyi Xu, Australian National University

Electron crystallography methods for protein structure determination

Mihin Perera, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Partinet is a dynamic adaptive neural network for high-performance particle picking in cryo-EM

Dr. Sarah Piper, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Visualising structural biology data of class B1 GPCRs in 3D animations

Dr. Rhys Grinter, The University of Melbourne

Inhibiting bacteria heme-piracy using de novo designed proteins

Mahmuda Yeasmin, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Structural basis of the clinical candidates at muscarinic acetylcholine receptors

Poster Presentation Abstracts

Alok Pradhan, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Structure determination of GPCR heteromers

Ania Beyger, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

The structural and pharmacological characterization of CXCR3 isoforms

Bhavika Rana, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Structural and pharmacological validation of allosteric sites at the M₅ Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor – a target for CNS disorders

Dr. Brian Cary, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Prolonged signaling of backbone-modified glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogues with diverse receptor trafficking

Bronte Caroll, University of Sydney

Investigating the role of glutamine transporters in uptake of biologically inert platinum-compounds for targeting cancer cells 

Brooke Hayes, Monash University
Aiming to kill: Rhs effector delivery by the Type VI Secretion System

Daniel Fox, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

AI-Designed Protein Inhibitors can block heme uptake and inhibit growth of Pathogenic E. coli

David Safadi, University of Wollongong

Structure and function of the GABA_B receptor upon the binding and activation by analgesic peptides

Dr. Debnath Ghosal, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Understanding the infection cycles of membrane-containing phages at molecular resolution 

Dongju Lee, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Structural and pharmacological insights into orphan GPCR, GPR151 with G protein couplings

Haripriya Ramakrishnan, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Understanding the role of FZD receptor activation in G-protein pathway & Wnt-dependent ß-catenin pathway

Inamur Rahman, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Destroying the human immunodeficiency virus before infection

Jack Tovey, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Cryo-EM to determine the structure of CCK1R in complex with SR146131

James Davies, University of Wollongong

Structure of the human carnitine transporter

Javaid Jabbar, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Investigating Site-Specific Acetylation of S-OPA1: Implications for GTPase Activity and Oligomeric Assembly

Kenta Ishii, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Novel approach to lose weight? Harnessing cryo-EM to understand how Retatrutide interacts with the GLP-1R

Luca Troman, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Single particle cryo-EM analysis of spirochete periplasmic flagella

MariaKatarina Lambourne, University of Wollongong

A Twist in the Tail: Investigating the Impact of a Novel Epilepsy Mutation on Kv7.3 Protein Structure and Tetramerisation

Marialena Georgopoulou, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Structural studies of cell signalling adaptor protein STimulator of INterferon Genes (STING) in complex with small molecule inhibitors

Mayada Mazher, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Studying The potential of TMEM120A membrane protein as a voltage gated Ion channel

Michaela Kaoullas, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Structural Insights into Positive Allosteric Modulation at the M₄ muscarinic acetylcholine receptor

Milad Reyhani, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Characterization of a large protein complex in Nanobdellota archaeon YN1

Minakshi Baruah, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Determination of antagonist-bound vasopressin receptor structures by cryo-electron microscopy

Qinghao Ou, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Structural understanding of tirzepatide on GIPR and GLP-1R

Riya Joseph, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Pore formation and regulation of recently identified Bacteroides fragilis Cholesterol-dependent Cytolysin Like (CDCL) proteins

Shubha Udupa, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Visualizing the structure and dynamics of the horizontal gene transfer during bacterial conjugation

Solace Roche, University of Queensland

Evidence for the mechanism of pore-formation of an ABC toxin

Somavally Dalvi, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Crossing the barrier: Understanding the life cycle of membrane containing phages at molecular resolution

Susovan Das, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Structural Insight Into G Protein Coupling And Activation Of Human Frizzled Receptors

Theodore Nettleton, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Cryo-EM structures and HDX-MS data of PAC1R splice isoforms in different states of activation

Tiffany Myint, The Florey

Relaxin Receptor (RXFP1) in Focus: Structural Insights into Activation

Xiaomin Wang, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

SARS-CoV-2 co-receptors: What they do and how they do it?

Yi Zeng, University of Sydney

The ins and outs of transport and inhibition of Organic Cation Transporter 1

Abstract Submission Guidelines

The abstract submissions for the ARC CCeMMP Research Symposium 2024 are now closed.

The oral presentation abstract closing date was extended and closed at 9:00 AM AEST on the 14th of October, 2024.
The poster presentation abstract closing date was extended and closed at 9:00 AM AEST on the 31st of October, 2024.

Prizes

• Thermo Fisher Scientific Poster Prize – $300 AUD and a 3D printed protein model of your choice
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Poster Prize Runners-Up – $100 AUD
• Most Popular Oral Presentation Prize (voted by peers) – 3D printed protein model of your choice and a 2D structure print of your choice

Abstract guidelines

Please adhere to the following guidelines when submitting an abstract:

General abstract guidelines

• The submitted abstract should be relevant to the field of research i.e. membrane proteins, cryo-EM work or cryo-EM of membrane proteins.
• Abstracts will be up to one A4 page in length, including any figures, photos or graphs.
• Page margins should be a minimum of 2.0 cm.
• All text should use single line spacing and full justification.
• A minimum font size of 12 point in Times New Roman.
• Abstract title should be in bold font.
• Authors should be listed and italicised.
• Address line should be included below the authors names with a space in between author names and address.
• All abstracts must be submitted and presented in English.
• Authors should indicate whether they would like to be considered for an oral presentation in the submission form. The selection panel reserves the right to decide which abstracts will be presented in oral form.
• Upon abstract submission, you will receive an email notifying you of your successful submission.

Poster presentation guidelines

• All authors submitting abstracts will be able to present a poster.
• Posters must be presented in portrait orientation and must not exceed A0 (841 cm x 1189 cm) size. Equipment to mount posters will be provided on arrival.
• Please indicate in the Abstract Submission Form if you do not wish to be considered for the Scientific Poster Prize.
• Poster presentation abstract submissions close at 9:00 AM AEST on the 31st of October, 2024.

Oral presentation guidelines

• Please indicate in the Abstract Submission Form if you wish to be considered for an oral presentation.
• Abstracts will be reviewed by a selection panel and authors selected for an oral presentation will be notified no later than Friday 18th of October 2024.
• Oral presentations will be 20 minutes in length with 10 minutes of questions.
• Important: Abstracts selected for oral do not need to present a poster. All unsuccessful oral presentations are required to present a poster. Please do not submit an abstract if you do not want to present a poster.
• Oral presentation abstract submissions closed at 9:00 AM AEST on the 14th of October, 2024.

Sponsors

This event is generously sponsored by BioCurate, MiTeGen and Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Organising Committee

2024 Symposium Committee Members

Dr. Sepideh Valimehr, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Dr. Wessel Burger, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Dr. Winnie Tan, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Emily Park, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Xiaomin Wang, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute

Riya Joseph, Bio21 and The University of Melbourne

Supported by Dr. Tracie Pierce and Dr. Jackie How, Monash University