The second talk of the Biotechnology Seminar Series was held recently at BRAC University. The Biotechnology Seminar Series is organized by the Biotechnology Program, Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MNS), BRAC University. The series aims to introduce BRAC University faculties and students to cutting edge research in different biotechnology disciplines. It also provides a platform to exchange research ideas and foster collaborations.
Dr. Munima Haque, Associate Professor and Program Director for the Biotechnology Program, BRAC University gave the opening remarks at the seminar. She also introduced the invited speaker - Dr. Mahdi Moosa, Assistant Professor for the Biotechnology Program. Title of his presentation was: The Biophysics of the Distorted Proteins.
Dr. Moosa’s presentation largely focused on his personal expertise with disordered proteins, and he dove into how his work involved both identifying and utilizing the aforementioned class of proteins. In general, a lot of time and capital is put towards understanding new protein structures and the ever-evolving organic nature of these proteins.
However, disordered proteins occupy a special niche, such that their lack of a fixed structure makes such direct research difficult. Dr. Moosa talked about how these proteins can function despite lacking a defined 3D structure at physiologic physicochemical conditions. He also discussed how such “disordered” proteins can be experimentally probed, even when they are fully disordered. Ultimately, he hoped to instill a sense of curiosity about this field among the attending students and answered some questions in regard to the functionality and viability of implementing his research in Bangladesh.
The presentation was followed by a question answer session. Afterwards, there was discussion amongst the faculty and students regarding the seminar topics and other advancements in the field of biotechnology.