Join Professor Mark D. Distefano from the University of Minnesota for a lecture exploring the fascinating world of protein prenylation, an important post-translational modification in which hydrophobic lipid groups are attached to proteins. This process enables proteins to associate with cellular membranes and participate in signaling pathways that regulate cell growth, division, differentiation, and many other essential biological functions.

Protein prenylation also plays a critical role in cancer biology. It is required for the activity of oncogenic Ras proteins, making enzymes in the prenylation pathway attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. The lecture will highlight how chemical approaches have advanced our understanding of protein prenylation and led to innovative tools for studying biological systems, imaging cellular processes, and developing new biotechnological and therapeutic applications.

Mark D. Distefano is a Distinguished McKnight Professor of Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. He has authored more than 200 scientific publications and currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of Bioorganic Chemistry. His research focuses on understanding and exploiting protein lipid modifications, particularly protein prenylation.