The Białystok Branch of the Polish Chemical Society (PTChem) cordially invites you to a lecture by Dr. Rafał Dolot, entitled “Histidine Triad Nucleotide-Binding Proteins – Structure and Function.”
Date: 5 November 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Venue: Room 2044, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Białystok, Poland.
Dr. Rafał Dolot is an assistant professor in the Bioorganic Chemistry Department at the Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences (CBMiM PAN) in Łódź, Poland.
Lecture abstract
HINT (Histidine Triad Nucleotide-binding) proteins constitute one of the main subfamilies of the HIT (histidine triad) superfamily, one of the most evolutionarily ancient protein families, found in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. These small enzymes participate in nucleotide metabolism and primarily catalyse the hydrolysis of phosphoramidate bonds.
The best-characterised members of this family include the human proteins HINT1, HINT2 and HINT3, which differ in their subcellular localisation and biological functions. HINT1 is involved in the regulation of signalling pathways and processes associated with nervous system function; mutations in the gene encoding HINT1 can lead to hereditary axonal neuropathies. HINT2, which is localised in mitochondria, has been linked to the regulation of energy metabolism and cellular homeostasis, whereas the functions of HINT3 remain poorly understood. Some HINT proteins are also involved in the activation of selected antiviral prodrugs.
Understanding the relationships between the three-dimensional structures of HINT proteins, their substrate specificity and catalytic mechanisms is essential for elucidating their biological functions. Structural and biochemical studies may also help determine the significance of these enzymes in pathological processes and assess their potential as therapeutic targets.
We warmly invite members and friends of the Polish Chemical Society, researchers, doctoral candidates, students and everyone interested in bioorganic chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology to attend the lecture.
