Protein Folding and Interaction Mechanics (A02)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: from 2010 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 111166240

In this project, we will use single molecule mechanical experiments using optical tweezers to study forces involved in protein folding and interaction. Overall, we will pursue three major goals in the next four years. The first question we will address concerns the localisation of a knot in an unfolded protein chain. The second line of research will deal with the development of force sensors that can be applied in a living cell to report on the mechanical forces acting. The last block of experiments will address the question of the mechanical forces involved in the activation of integrin through talin.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 863: Forces in Biomolecular Systems
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität München (TUM)
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Matthias Rief