A&P Seminar - James Checco

The Analytical and Physical/ChemBio Seminar Series presents: James Checco

University of Nebraska

Host: Michael Marty

Title: Unraveling the molecular mechanisms of endogenous cell-to-cell signaling peptides

Location: WEL 2.122

Refreshments served at 3:15pm

Endogenous peptides (neuropeptides and peptide hormones) act as cell-to-cell signaling molecules to carry out complex tasks in living systems. Characterizing the molecular mechanisms of endogenous peptides represents a significant goal to understand how living systems function in both healthy and disease states, and to identify novel therapeutic targets. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of intercellular communication, our group focuses on developing and utilizing chemical biology approaches to understand the signaling of endogenous peptides and probe peptide-receptor interactions. One major project in the group is focused on developing methods to label neuropeptide receptors on the surface of living cells for the purpose of probing known peptide-receptor interactions and discovering novel receptors for bioactive peptides. In parallel, we are also exploring the impact of an understudied endogenous peptide post-translational modification (L- to D-residue isomerization) on receptor recognition and signaling in nature, and have discovered a neuropeptide signaling system in which peptide isomerization is utilized to alter selectivity between distinct family members. Overall, our research combines approaches from chemical biology, bioanalytical chemistry, and synthetic chemistry to advance our understanding of specific cell-cell signaling pathways, identify new pathways for further exploration, and provide innovative starting points for future therapeutics.