ERA NanoSci - Nanoactuation of plasma membrane protein clusters

• Applicant: Dr. Peter J. Verveer
• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Theoretical Chemistry: Electronic Structure, Dynamics, Simulation
• Term: from 2009 to 2012
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 119541556

Plasma membrane proteins show complex dynamic ordering, such as clustering, on a nanoscale level, which typically changes after external stimulation. The mechanisms of these processes and the consequences for signal transduction are of great interest as extracellular signalling events are translated into cells via the plasma membrane. We aim to actuate plasma membrane proteins in a controlled fashion using rationally designed nano-objects and to visualize this interfacing process on the nanometer scale, yielding new insights into cell signalling via the plasma membrane. Rationally designed nano-objects with controlled interfaces to actuate proteins in membranes specifically address the call requirement for ground-breaking research in nanoscale interfaces. The nano-objects bridge the gap between studies on isolated proteins, that cannot account for protein clustering in the native environment, and whole cell studies, that do not allow the controlled actuation of the nano-clusters.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Netherlands, United Kingdom
• Participating Persons: Professor Dr. Luc Brunsveld; Dr. Quentin Hanley; Dr. Vinod Subramaniam