paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The power of EPR lies in its sensitivity to both atomic-level changes and nanoscale fluctuations. Using EPR, we can characterize the state of the matter (for example, redox state and ligand geometry) and determine the protein’s different functional states. This tool also provides us with information about the cell’s dynamics,” says Prof. Ruthstein. “The data collected in EPR experiments is complemented by various other biophysical and biochemical approaches and computational methods, including circular dichroism (CD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), run-off transcription assays, ultracentrifuge experiments, cell microscopy experiments, 64Cu(II) cell experiments and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations that provide us a complete picture of the cellular copper cycle in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems.” “In joining BINA’s unique environment of expertise, equipment and national and international engagements, I hope to expand my collaborations, particularly with microscopy experts, while implementing new and novel microscopic and spectroscopic tools in my lab and eventually move forward to in vivo research.” Prof. Sharon Ruthstein Prof. Sharon Ruthstein, an expert in biophysics, structural biology and magnetic resonance, joined BINA in 2021. She completed her PhD (with honors) in chemistry at the Weizmann Institute of Science and went on to complete a long-term postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States through the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). In 2011, Prof. Ruthstein returned to Israel and established her lab at BIU’s Department of Chemistry with funding provided by the European Research Council (ERC). Prof. Ruthstein’s research focuses on the cellular copper cycle. Copper has a key role in a wide range of physiologic processes such as antioxidant activities, iron metabolism and metabolism in general, tissue, muscle and bone building and more. Using novel equipment and techniques, Prof. Ruthstein expands the basic understanding of the cellular copper cycle in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems, knowledge that is essential to the development of new biomarkers and therapeutic agents that depend on the copper cycle. Based on this knowledge, Prof. Ruthstein and her team have developed a 64Cu(II) radiotracer for diagnosing hypoxic cells for high-sensitivity tumor detection. In addition, they have designed peptides that can affect the metabolism of copper in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems, laying the groundwork for the future design of antibiotics and therapies for neurological disorders and cancer. “My group utilizes various spectroscopic methods to resolve the cellular metal transfer mechanism in vitro and in a cell. The main biophysical tool we use is continuous wave (CW) and pulsed electron Using novel equipment and techniques, Prof. Ruthstein expands the basic understanding that is essential to the development of new biomarkers and therapeutic agents that depend on the copper cycle 18
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