A single molecule view of signaling complexes in health and disease

by Prof. Eilon Sherman

Racah Institute of Physics, The Hebrew University

at Biological and soft-matter physics

Thu, 24 Apr 2025, 12:10
Sacta-Rashi Building for Physics (54), room 207

Abstract

Signaling complexes are dynamic and heterogeneous multi-molecular structures that play a pivotal role in intracellular signal transduction. Despite their importance in cellular activation, traditional research techniques have not been able to resolve their structure and formation mechanisms within intact cells. To address this, we employed far-field super-resolution optical microscopy, enabling the imaging of multiple types of single molecules in both fixed and live cells, with a resolution of ~20nm. Using this technique alongside related statistics, we discovered that signaling complexes that determine immune (T) cell activation show surprising and synergistic patterns of nanoscale organization. Strikingly, these patterns occur in early T cell contacts with its target cells and thus facilitate its initial decision-making. I will further describe the role of specific signaling complexes in other systems, including in melanoma cells and viral assembly. Our findings advance the understanding of the assembly and function of signaling complexes, offering insights applicable to a broad spectrum of multi-molecular complexes and their roles in health and disease.

Created on 17-04-2025 by Feingold, Mario (mario)
Updaded on 17-04-2025 by Feingold, Mario (mario)