Speaker: Lieyang (Eric) Chen, Ph.D. student, Thomas Kurtzman group, Lehman College
Title: Advanced Computational Methodologies to Study Binding Free Eneregies of Protein-Ligand Complexes
Abstract: Machine learning has recently been applied to computational drug discovery after achieving remarkable success in image/voice recognition. However, the complexity of the protein-ligand binding interaction combined with issues inherent to current binding affinity databases make it a challenging task to develop reliable machine learning methods to predict ligand binding affinity. Here we will show how scientists are tricked by the machine-learning black box when developing such methods.
Speaker: Silas Hartley, Ph.D. Student, David Jeruzalmi group, City College of New York
Title: DNA Damage Recognition and UvrB Loading by UvrA within the Nucleotide Excision Repair Pathway
Abstract: Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is a DNA damage repair pathway vital for cell survival. As part of the NER pathway, UvrA searches DNA until damages are found. Despite extensive research into the NER pathway, it remains unclear how UvrA recognizes damaged DNA. Our research presented an image of the UvrA-DNA complex post-damage recognition; an important step in understanding the UvrA-DNA damage recognition mechanism. Additionally, a UvrA-UvrB complex can search for damages. Our findings in the UvrA-UvrB damaged DNA search mechanism provide details into previous research that suggested the complex has an alternate DNA search mechanism then UvrA alone.
For more information about joining in on Zoom, contact Hyacinth Camillieri at hcamillieri@gc.cuny.edu