Dr. Kevin Morano, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, will present a seminar entitled “Stress and the single cell: understanding cellular roles of the Hsp70 molecular chaperone using yeast”. The Hsp70 molecular chaperone is a ubiquitous and powerful protein remodeler that plays critical roles in cellular protein biogenesis, targeting, repair and degradation. A number of human diseases including cancer, heart disease and a broad range of neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Lou Gehrig’s diseases) result from dysregulation of Hsp70 and other players involved in protein quality control.

Morano is investigating the molecular details of Hsp70 regulation using the model Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or baker’s yeast. In doing so he discovered a novel protein cofactor required for Hsp70 function, and uncovered a new role for Hsp70 as a sensor of environmental stress.