Chemistry Colloquium: Dr. Rafael Bernardi

The Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences is pleased to welcome Dr. Rafael Bernardi, an Assistant Professor of Biophysics at Auburn University.

Title: Deciphering the Complex Landscape of Protein Mechanostability: A Computational Odyssey

Abstract

The behavior of proteins under mechanical stress coordinates a myriad of biological processes, ranging from pathogen adhesion to cell motility. Despite its pivotal role, a comprehensive understanding of protein mechanostability has long remained elusive. In this talk, I will introduce a new approach that combines Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Network Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, and Onsager’s Reciprocal Relations to dissect this complex landscape. Our interdisciplinary methodology has been applied across various biological systems, including bacterial adhesion mechanisms, SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, and cellulosomes. Using case studies such as the virulence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the mechanics of SARS-CoV-2, I will illustrate how our network-based analysis provides unparalleled insights into protein behavior under stress. This approach not only serves as a potent tool for studying macromolecular complexes but also lays the groundwork for innovative therapeutic solutions. Join me to explore this exciting frontier where physics, biology, chemistry, and computational science converge to unlock new avenues for understanding and manipulating the biological world.