Dr. DONG Gang, Group Leader of Max F. Perutz Laboratories (MFPL) at University of Vienna, paid a visit to IHB on May 11.

Dr. DONG Gang, Group Leader of Max F. Perutz Laboratories (MFPL) at University of Vienna, paid a visit to Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IHB) on May 11. During his visit, he delivered a speech entitled “Structural characterization of the Trypanosoma brucei protein TbBILBO1, a flagellar pocket collar component essential for parasite survival”.

Trypanosoma brucei is a parasitic pathogen resulting in African trypanosomiasis (or sleeping sickness) in humans. The invasion could damage the central nervous system, and further induce depressed spirit, even coma and other symptoms. The surface of the trypanosome is covered by a dense coat of Variable Surface Glycoprotein (VSG). This coat enables an infecting T. brucei to evade from the attach of the host’s immune system. It is impossible to make vaccine to control the trypanosomiasis. Hence, there is an urgent need for the development of novel therapies for trypanosomiasis.  

Dr. DONG Gang’s report focused on the structural analysis of the Trypanosoma brucei protein TbBILBO1, and revealed that the knock-down of TbBILBO1 causes the defect of trypanosome cell division. Therefore, TbBILBO1 might be one of the potential targets for the treatment of trypanosomiasis. During the report, Dr. Dong used the vivid Greek legend to illustrate research progress, his clear description for the complicated protein structure made it understandable for undergraduate students.  

After the report, Dr. Dong had a lively discussion with the participating investigators and students. He encouraged IHB students to widen their horizon of views, emphasize multidisciplinary studies, and also welcome the students who have achieved progress in their fields to visit the laboratories of Max F. Perutz. IHB’s director Prof. ZHAO Jindong and deputy director Prof. XU Xudong interacted with Dr. Dong on the cooperative possibilities in relevant fields.  

Dr. Dong’s main research field is biology of protein structure. He has published several papers in the journals such as Nat Struct Mol Biol etc.