Visualization and Targeting Protein Complexes in Cell Death

Maryam Nikkhah, PhD and Saman Hosseinkhani, PhD.

Regulated cell deaths as exemplified by apoptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis are induced by the formation of protein complexes. Here, using split luciferase complementary assay we have developed new molecular tools to visualize the formation of the protein complexes in live cells and tissues and then use these tools to study cell death in normal and disease processes. Through some of the developed assays, we have screened many chemicals against protein complexes in cell death and initiating complexes like synuclein amyloid fibrils. Our research includes cell death experts, bioluminescence experts, zebrafish experts, as well as structural, developmental, molecular and cell biologists in industry and academia. We have recently completed MCSA fellowship at the IMTM and would like to share our knowedge and expertise in use of reporter systems in biology and medicine.