Dr. Zhang from the University of Illinois has invented a generalizable optogenetic system for post-translational knock-in of a target protein, GLIMPSe. GLIMPSe offers...
Dr. Zhang from the University of Illinois has invented a generalizable optogenetic system for post-translational knock-in of a target protein, GLIMPSe. GLIMPSe offers bidirectional control over post-translational protein activity with high spatiotemporal resolution. GLIMPSe works by fusing the target protein with a protease recognition site (tevS), a photosensitive caging molecule (eLOV), and three degradation sequences. GLIMPSe also involves connecting TEV protease with LEXY, a light-sensitive nuclear export signal molecule.
When there is no light exposure, degradation sequences tag the target protein for degradation. When there is light exposure, the nuclear export signal on LEXY is exposed, allowing TES to be exported from the nucleus. Also, upon exposure to light, tevS is exposed by eLOV, allowing TEV to cleave the degradation sequence from the complex, stabilizing the target protein.
Primary Application: Optogenetic neuroscience research
Benefit: Provides bi-directional control of protein dynamics with high spatiotemporal resolution
Professor Dahmen and collaborators have developed a method for determining failure stress and other mechanical properties of materials using a conventional nanoindentation...
Professor Dahmen and collaborators have developed a method for determining failure stress and other mechanical properties of materials using a conventional nanoindentation instrument. This method relies on a model previously developed by Prof. Dahmen's group which assumes solid materials contain elastically coupled weak spots that can slip in response to an applied load. These slips can be seen as jumps in nanoindenter displacement which can be further characterized to determine failure stress and other mechanical properties. Using this model, the high throughput screening of the relative brittleness of materials can be accomplished in as little as 10 measurements in an effectively non-destructive fashion. Additionally, this versatile method can be applied to amorphous and crystalline solids, such as bulk metallic glasses, high entropy alloys, and a large number of other solids.
Prof. Mary Kraft and her research group have developed a computational reconstruction strategy to reshape 3D images acquired from depth profiling mode on secondary ion...
Prof. Mary Kraft and her research group have developed a computational reconstruction strategy to reshape 3D images acquired from depth profiling mode on secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). This strategy can enhance understanding of structure function relationship of materials using SIMs (e.g. subcellular biological processes). For samples with nonplanar surfaces, secondary ions detected in the same SIMS depth profiling image, and thus depicted at the same z-position with respect to the surface may be from molecules with different z positions. 3D SIMS image depth correction strategy is needed when both substrate signals and atomic force microscopy data are not available for NanoSIMS depth profiling. The reconstruction strategy accurately captures the basic shape of the cell as well as the surface features, in addition to reducing time for complementary instrumental data collection.
Figure 1. Comparison of 3D 18O-Enrichment 3D SIMS Images of 18O-Cholesterol (left: uncorrected, right: corrected with the reconstruction strategy)
