Genetic control of magnetite crystals biomineralization by magnetotactic bacteria
Oct 4, 2024
2:30PM to 3:30PM
Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/10/2024
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Categories
Prof. Cecile Fradin
Canada Research Chair in Molecular Biophysics.
Departments of Physics & Astronomy and Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University
Although you may have never heard of them, magnetotactic bacteria are everywhere. These tiny organisms produce single-domain nano-crystals of magnetite through a tightly controlled bio-mineralization process. The magnetic moment conferred by these crystals allow magnetotactic bacteria to align with the Earth’s magnetic field and navigate their aquatic habitats, making them nature’s smallest navigators. It also allows external magnetic control of their orientation, something that we exploit in my group in order to study their swimming mechanisms. In this seminar, I will highlight recent work we have done in order to try and control the morphology of the biogenic magnetite crystals by performing genetic modifications in a particular strain of magnetotactic bacteria that can be grown in the lab. In the long term, these crystals could be used for a number of biomedical applications.
Short bio:
Dr. Fradin is an experimental biophysicist and a professor at McMaster University, holding a joint appointment in the departments of Physics & Astronomy and Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences. With her research team, she specializes in investigating the intricate dynamics of living cells using advanced quantitative fluorescence microscopy techniques. Current systems of interests are the effects of protein condensation on transcription regulation, and the properties of magnetotactic bacteria.
Dr. Fradin was the Canada Research Chair in Molecular Biophysics and is a fellow of the Canadian Association of Physicists. She is involved with the Canadian scientific community beyond her research, notably serving as an executive officer for the Biophysical Society of Canada.
In-Person: ABB 102
Online: https://mcmaster.zoom.us/j/97191194261
Meeting ID: 971 9119 4261
Passcode: 969909