Abstract

Biological cell membranes enclose our cells, and are hubs of activity that are vital to cell function. They are comprised of myriad fatty molecules, called lipids, and crowded with proteins (the nano machines that transport substances in and out of our cell, or pass signals across the membranes). Further, despite their complexity, cell membranes have to be exquisitely organised for healthy cell function.  However, the causes of this dynamic organisation, ie.the molecular interactions between proteins and lipids, are challenging to observe empirically.  I will discuss how computer simulations can be used to unpick and (perhaps) understand biological membrane behaviour and healthy function.

Short Bio

Anna Louise Duncan is a tenure-track assistant professor at the Department of Chemistry, where she heads the Biomodelling Group. Anna’s research interests revolve around the structure and function of biological membranes. Anna originally trained as a mathematician, then switched to biochemistry during her PhD, where she first got hooked on lipids.

What is an AIAS Seminar?

The AIAS Seminar Series is a session of seminars held by the AIAS fellows, AIAS Visiting or Tandem Fellows or by other speakers proposed by the fellows. In each seminar, a fellow will present and discuss her/his current research and work-in-progress to an interdisciplinary audience for 30 minutes, closing off with 30 minutes for questions, comments and discussion.

All seminars are in-person and held in English. To attend online, please contact Cecilie Horshauge at cecilie@aias.au.dk by 9:00am on the day of the seminar as the latest to request a link.