MSL Seminar Series: June – Local Invited Speaker, Dr. Natalie Strynadka

Local Invited Speaker:
Dr. Natalie Strynadka
Killam and Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UBC

Host: Dr. Thibault Mayor

Off-cycle from our regular monthly seminars, we have invited local researchers to give talks at the MSL to open up opportunities for interesting research discussions and collaborations. We are excited to welcome Dr. Strynadka as one of these local speakers for the 2025-26 seminar cycle.

This seminar will be presented in a hybrid format. The talk will be delivered in person at the MSL Lecture Theatre (room 102). Audience members are welcome to attend either in person or via the zoom link. Those connecting via zoom will be able to ask questions during the Q&A portion using the chat function.

Zoom registration link: https://ubc.zoom.us/meeting/register/k3KSVb_CSS-3RbHypn2_cA

Talk title: Structure-guided understanding and subnanomolar inhibition of enzymes underlying β-lactam antibiotic resistance in the superbug Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract: Broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus is a global healthcare burden. In clinical strains, resistance is largely controlled by BlaR1, a novel two component signaling receptor that senses β-lactams through the acylation of its sensor domain, inducing transmembrane signaling and activation of the cytoplasmic-facing metalloprotease domain. The metalloprotease domain has a role in BlaI cleavage and consequent derepression, inducing blaZ (β-lactamase PC1) and mecA (β-lactam-resistant cell-wall transpeptidase PBP2a) expression. Xray crystallographic and cryo-electron microscopic analysis of the membrane localized PBP2a and BlaR1 reveal the dynamic conformational changes that underly the broad spectrum β-lactam resistance they incur as well as provide the critical atomic structural foundation for the multipronged design of therapeutic molecules to block their action.