Jonathan Coleman, University of Pittsburgh
Host: Karatas Bristow
The aim of my research is to elucidate the molecular function, architecture, and
high-affinity drug binding sites of the synaptic vesicle protein 2 family (SV2)
and of the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). SV2s are targeted by therapeutic
drugs and are predicted by sequence to be transporters but their biological function
remains obscure. VMAT2 is the only transporter in synaptic vesicles that transports
serotonin, dopamine, and other monoamines in the central nervous system. My lab
studies SV2 and VMAT2 function using biochemical techniques and by determining
structures using single particle cryo-EM. We are particularly interested in understanding
the conformational changes and the mechanisms associated with transport and inhibition.