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[1] Membrane suspended nanocompartments as a new artificial membrane system for studying light-activated proton pumps and channels
[2] Generation of flavoproteins with modified chromophores in vivo
[3] Role of the compound eyes and extraretinal photoreceptors in synchronizing the activity rhythm of Drosophila melanogaster to light-dark (LD) cycles.
[4] Biochemical studies on FAD derivates
[5] In vitro characterisation of "Channelopsins" from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
[6] Photophysical and Photochemical Studies on Open-Chain Tetrapyrrole Complexes
[7] Investigation of the photocycle of a plant photoreceptor by Quantum Chemical Calculations and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
For detailed information about announced projects hit one of the links belowchoose number: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
project number [1] Membrane suspended nanocompartments as a new artificial membrane system for studying light-activated proton pumps and channels
Solid supported membranes (SSMs) as an artificial membrane system are among the most versatile mimics of biological membranes. They exhibit long-term stability, and are accessible to a variety of surface sensitive analysis tools. However, their close surface proximity of less than 2 nm limits lateral lipid mobility and incorporation of large transmembrane proteins or the establishment of (electro-)chemical transmembrane gradients. These limitations preclude study of such critical biological systems as ion pumps, and channels, which each require a membrane-surface separation of at least 5-10 nm. In contrast to SSMs, black lipid membranes (BLMs) span narrow apertures in partitions between two solutions. Although this eliminates the steric congestion, the lack of solid support limits bilayer stability. Recently, we have developed a new class of artificial membrane system, which combines the merits of SSMs and BLMs based on bilayers spanning the pores of porous alumina substrates.
The objective of this project will be the establishment of a functional membrane system with reconstituted light-activated proteins based on these membrane suspended nanocompartments on porous surfaces. First, we intend to establish a functional membrane system by incorporating bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium salinarium as an active light-induced proton pump. Second, after the functional membrane system with bacteriorhodopsin has been established, our knowledge will be utilized to set up membrane suspended nanocompartments with incorporated channelopsin-1 and channelopsin-2 as light-gated proton channels from green algae. The system will enable us to investigate the light-gated channel properties of both in a well-defined system over a long time period.
References
Hennesthal, C., Drexler, J., Steinem, C. (2002) Membrane-suspended nanocompartments based on ordered pores in alumina. ChemPhysChem 3, 885-889.
Hennesthal, C., Steinem, C. (2000) Pore-spanning lipid bilayers visualized by scanning force microscopy. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 122, 8085-8086.
Michalke, A., Schürholz, T., Galla, H.-J., Steinem, C. (2001) Membrane activity of an anion channel from Clavibacter michiganense ssp. nebraskense. Langmuir 17, 2251-2257.
Steinem, C.; Janshoff, A.; Höhn, F.; Sieber, M.; Galla, H.-J. (1997) Proton translocation across bacteriorhodopsin containing solid supported lipid bilayers. Chem. Phys. Lipids 89, 141-152.
how to apply ... (in general)
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