Physical Chemistry Seminar "Mesoscopic Membrane Dynamics: From Fundamental Principles to Health and Disease"

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Presenter: 

Professor Rana Ashkar, Department of Physics & Center for Soft Matter and Biological Physics, Virginia Tech

Abstract:

Cell membranes are evolutionary marvels of molecular self-assemblies which regulate a variety of complex functions that are central to life. Over the past few decades, our understanding of cell membranes as passive cellular structures gradually matured into dynamic models requiring synergistic interactions among different membrane components on molecular and collective levels. This talk will highlight our recent studies utilizing neutron spectroscopy, ²H-NMR relaxometry, and molecular dynamics simulations in uncovering mesoscopic membrane dynamics and their manifestation in emergent mechanics. Specific focus will be placed on the dynamic and mechanical response of lipid membranes to molecular additives, including proteins, cholesterol, and other sterol variants required for more stable liposomal designs for drug and vaccine delivery. Conclusions from these studies shed new light on fundamental principles of mesoscopic membrane dynamics and their implications in health and disease. The findings point to universal structure-property relations that open up new possibilities in predicting the behavior of complex biological membranes and in the design rules of artificial cells with real-world functionalities.

Bio:

Rana Ashkar is an assistant professor in the Physics Department at Virginia Tech. Prior to her current appointment, she held a Clifford G. Shull Fellowship at Oak Ridge National Lab, preceded by a joint postdoc position at NIST and the University of Maryland. Her current research group focuses on biophysical investigations of model cell membranes, with specific emphasis on nanoscale membrane mechanics, membrane-protein interactions, and dynamic membrane responses to interfacial and environmental cues. Besides her scholarly activities, Dr. Ashkar is committed to diversity and inclusion in STEM and promoting a better environment for underrepresented and marginalized groups in science.