This seminar is hosted by the Physiology and Pharmacology department.

Target Audience

Des Moines University faculty, staff, and students.

Objectives

1. Explain the role of calmodulin in cell signaling.
2. Appreciate the complexity of the calmodulin interactome and its responses.

Speaker

Anthony Persechini, PhD
Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Disturbances in cell signaling are associated with many clinical disorders, including cancer, Altzheimer’s, arthritis, chronic pain syndrome, cardiac arrythmias and hypertension. Ca²⁺ ion is a universal intracellular signaling molecule, and the Ca²⁺-binding protein calmodulin plays a central role in converting Ca²⁺ signals into the biochemical changes needed to produce the desired cellular response. Our work is focused on both the cell biology and biochemistry of this process. An ongoing interest is in defining the thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms that govern the interactions between calmodulin and its many protein targets. More recently we have begun investigations of calmodulin function using genetically-encoded fluorescent indicator proteins developed in our laboratory. These tools allow us to follow calmodulin-dependent signaling using imaging techniques, with the ultimate goal of developing a mechanistic understanding of how calmodulin controls and coordinates the activities of its many targets in living cells.

Dr. Persechini indicated he has no financial relationships to disclose relevant to the content of this CME activity.

Continuing Education Credit

AOA:  Des Moines University and the AOA Council on Continuing Medical Education approve this program for a maximum of 1.0 hour of AOA Category 2-A CME credits.
Other:  Attendees will receive 1.0 hour of continuing education contact hours.