Join us for The Chemistry of Life – Early Career Researchers Symposium!
Welcome to two inspiring days highlighting cutting-edge work by early‑career researchers in structural and chemical biology. The symposium features talks, posters, networking, and a MAX IV facility tour. Participants are welcome to submit an abstract for a poster or oral presentation highlighting their research!
The symposium is co-organised by researchers from Leicester University.
When: 21-22 May, 2026
Where: LINXS, The Loop, Rydbergs torg 4, Lund, Sweden
Organisers: Chemistry of Life Theme at LINXS, Leicester Institute of Structural and Chemical Biology second-year PhD students.
About
This two‑day symposium brings together early career researchers working across structural biology, chemical biology, biophysics, and molecular interactions. Participants will hear flash talks, thematic sessions, posters, and new research insights spanning targeted therapies, RNA biology, signalling, disease mechanisms, and more.
A guided MAX IV Tour is also included in the programme.
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The programme is preliminary and may be subject to change, abstract submission for oral presentations are welcome!
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Session 1 — Regulation of Cellular and Biological Systems
Chair: Hagar Abdalla
10:00–10:10 — Welcome & Introduction to the Symposium
10:10–10:20 — Nicholas Ralphs, University of Leicester
Title: Chemical and Biological Determinants of Para-Menthane-3,8-Diol Repellence in Malaria Vector Management10:25–10:35 — Charlotte Gwinnell, University of Leicester
Title: Tumour-Specific Delivery of MCL1 Inhibitors Using Novel Peroxynitrite Cleavable Antibody-Drug Conjugates10:40–10:50 — Dilara Sahin, Ege University
Title: Pharmacophore-Based Virtual Screening for the Discovery of Potential BAZ1A Bromodomain Inhibitors10:55–11:05 — Adnan Khan, Polytechnic University of Marche
11:10–11:20 — Shu Gao, University of Leicester
Title: Investigating the Role of Cysteine Modifications in Oncogenicity of the KRAS G12C MutantSession 2 — Structural and Molecular architecture
Chair: Shu Gao
11:40–11:50 — Andy Hui
Title: An investigation of Mycobacterial Distributive Conjugal Transfer11:55–12:05 — Hayra do Prado Labaki, University of São Paulo
Title: Bismuth Nanoparticle-Cystine Hybrid Superstructures for Enhanced Cancer Radiotherapy via Singlet Oxygen GenerationSession 3 — Biophysical and Molecular Interactions
Chair: Shu Gao
12:10–12:20 — Bouthayna Rabhi, University of Leicester
Title: Unravelling the Mechanism of BMX Activation in Health and Disease12:25–12:35 — Xiaopian Tian, Lund University
Title: Structural Dynamics of Intrinsically Disordered N-terminal Region of the Oncogenic RNA-binding Protein SAM68 by Integrated Methods12:40–12:50 — Hagar Abdalla, University of Leicester
Title: Structural and Mechanical Characterisation of a Macroscopic Fibre Induced by the Intrinsically Disordered Regions of Sam68Session 4 — Regulation of Cellular and Biological Systems
Chair: Bouthayna Rabhi
14:45–14:55 — Ethan York, University of Leicester
Title: Exploring the Role of Reactive Sulfur Species in Tumour Hypoxia15:00–15:10 — Connor Robertson, University of Leicester
Title: Mechanism of Control of 3D Genome Organisation15:15–15:25 — Silas Boye Nissen, Lund University
Title: Cluster Assembly Dynamics Drive Fidelity of Planar Cell Polarity Polarization15:30 — Poster Session & Dinner Buffet
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Friday, 22 May 2026
09:00–12:00 — MAX IV Tour
12:00–13:00 — Lunch & Goodbyes
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1. Structural and Mechanical Characterisation of a Macroscopic Fibre Induced by the Intrinsically Disordered Regions of Sam68
Author: Hagar Abdalla
Sam68 is a versatile RNA-binding protein with defined functions in RNA metabolism and oncogenic signalling. While its role in alternative splicing is well studied, its contribution to cytoskeletal reorganisation is less understood. Sam68 contains intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) enriched in low-complexity domains (LCDs), known to facilitate biomolecular condensate formation via liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS).
Preliminary work shows that the N‑terminal IDR of Sam68 undergoes a structural shift when incubated with HeLa cytoplasmic extract, forming macroscopic fibres enriched with cytoskeletal and RNA-binding proteins. Using SEM, TEM, micro‑CT, and mass spectrometry, fibre formation has been validated in vitro, and its composition is being mapped.
These findings suggest that an RNA-binding protein IDR can adopt higher-order structures under physiological conditions and may function as a molecular scaffold that organises cytoskeletal regulators. Current efforts focus on structural characterisation and mechanistic dissection of fibre assembly.2. Unravelling the Mechanism of BMX Activation in Health and Disease
Author: Bouthayna Rabhi
Apoptosis is essential for cellular homeostasis, with BAK functioning as a key effector protein. Its activation is controlled by the tyrosine kinase BMX, which phosphorylates BAK at Y108 to keep it inactive.
This project aims to establish a structural model of BMX regulation through domain interactions and conformational changes. Individual BMX domains were expressed and purified, with crystallography and NMR used to study their organisation and interactions. Analytical gel filtration revealed a novel interaction between the PH/BTK and kinase domains.
These findings highlight key intramolecular regulatory mechanisms that may open opportunities for developing selective BMX inhibitors beyond current kinase‑domain–targeting drugs.3. Investigating the Role of Cysteine Modifications in Oncogenicity of the KRAS G12C Mutant
Author: Shu Gao
KRAS.G12C can be targeted by covalent inhibitors, but efficacy is limited by post-translational modifications (PTMs) at Cys12, which may block inhibitor binding. Previous studies using a “Cys‑light” KRAS model suggested that Cys12 can undergo PTMs interfering with drug interaction, but it remains unknown whether this occurs in the presence of native cysteine residues.
Recombinant KRAS.G12C was prepared and treated with modification reagents, with intact MS confirming that modifications occur at C12. Bottom-up MS to identify modified residues remains challenging due to reversible modification transfer and inefficient cysteine capping.
This project aims to optimise capping conditions to obtain reliable PTM profiles of KRAS.G12C.4. Using Long RNA Fragments to Investigate Protein–RNA Interactions in SMA Pathogenesis (via 19F NMR)
Author: Shaymaa Alkandari
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) arises from dysregulation of SMN2 pre‑mRNA splicing, particularly exon 7 inclusion/exclusion. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate these splicing events.
This research examines how specific RBP RNA‑binding domains interact with parts of SMN2 pre‑mRNA using 19F‑labelled RNA and NMR. Short fluorinated RNAs already show distinct protein‑binding signatures, including evidence for competitive and cooperative RBP interactions.
To explore more binding sites, longer fluorinated RNAs are needed. The project focuses on synthesising these via in vitro transcription and splinted ligation. The developed methods can be applied broadly to RNA–protein interaction studies across biological systems.5. Chemical and Biological Determinants of para-Menthane‑3,8‑Diol (PMD) Repellence in Malaria Vector Management
Author: Nicholas Ralphs
Vector‑borne diseases such as malaria and Zika disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. PMD, a naturally occurring monoterpenoid from lemon‑scented gum trees, is a promising non‑toxic mosquito repellent with efficacy comparable to DEET.
PMD exists as eight stereoisomers; all are bioactive and can be sustainably synthesised. Its high molecular weight limits its use as a spatial repellent, so low‑molecular‑weight analogues are being developed.
PMD also shows potential as a chemical larvicide due to partial water solubility. Improving solubility could enable its deployment in stagnant water where mosquito larvae develop.6. Tumour‑Specific Delivery of MCL1 Inhibitors Using Novel Peroxynitrite‑Cleavable Antibody–Drug Conjugates
Author: Charlotte Gwinnell
Apoptosis suppression via BCL2 family proteins is a hallmark of malignancy. MCL1 inhibitors have therapeutic potential but cause toxicity.
This project explores antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) with peroxynitrite‑cleavable linkers to deliver MCL1 inhibitors specifically to tumour cells. Cancer cells overproduce peroxynitrite, enabling selective cleavage of the linker after internalisation, releasing the inhibitor only in malignant cells.
Release also activates a fluorescence signal, enabling real‑time imaging and theranostic applications.7. An Investigation of Mycobacterial Distributive Conjugal Transfer
Author: Andy Hui
Mycobacteria use distributive conjugal transfer (DCT), an unusual form of horizontal gene transfer that produces genomic mosaicism and contributes to pathogen evolution.
DCT relies on type VII secretion systems (T7SS), especially ESX‑1 and ESX‑4. Despite ESX‑1’s role in virulence, its structure remains unresolved.
This study purifies and examines EccA1 and EccC, essential ATPases of ESX‑1, using cryo‑EM and other techniques to uncover mechanisms underlying DCT.8. The Role of Haem in Plant Signalling and Regulation
Author: Robert Blore
Haem is essential across organisms, performing roles in oxygen transport, redox chemistry, and enzymatic catalysis. Emerging evidence suggests it also has regulatory functions through transient binding to proteins.
This study deploys the mEGFP‑mAPX haem sensor in plant cell lines for the first time, enabling non‑destructive monitoring of intracellular haem via MP‑FLIM microscopy.
Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana expressing the sensor will be subjected to abiotic stress conditions to study haem dynamics. Additional biosensor development investigates oxidation-state‑specific haem binding.9. Exploring the Role of Reactive Sulfur Species in Tumour Hypoxia
Author: Ethan York
Hypoxia drives cancer progression and therapy resistance. While ROS have been considered key mediators of hypoxic oxidative stress, new evidence points to reactive sulfur species (RSS) as the true drivers.
This project investigates RSS‑mediated signalling in hypoxia. Initial results show substantial increases in cellular RSS under hypoxic conditions, while ROS levels remain unchanged.
Persulfide donor treatments mimic hypoxia‑induced phosphorylation patterns, suggesting RSS involvement in signalling cascades. Ongoing work integrates phosphoproteomics, transcriptomics, and sulfur‑omics, as well as patient‑derived tumour explants, to understand RSS‑driven immune and cellular responses.10. Mechanisms of Control of 3D Genome Organisation
Author: Connor Robertson
The 3D organisation of the genome influences gene expression, replication, and repair. At large scales, the genome segregates into active A and inactive B compartments; at smaller scales, TADs constrain regulatory interactions.
This project investigates two regulatory layers:Regulation of p300, a major acetyltransferase controlling active chromatin compartments, with a focus on capturing structures of autoinhibited p300 and its activation by transcription factors.
Cohesin–ligand interactions, examining how different cellular ligands influence cohesin’s role in genome topology.
Together, this work aims to advance understanding of genome folding mechanisms.
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