The role of membrane microdomains in membrane fusion (10)

• Subject Area: Cell Biology
• Term: from 2010 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 112927078

Regulated exocytosis is controlled by a cascade of sequential reactions involving multiple interactions of proteins and membrane lipids, culminating in the fusion of two lipid bilayers. Previously, we have reconstituted the final steps, the Ca2+-synchronized membrane fusion. We will now dissect the molecular mechanisms controlling the early events, Rab-mediated vesicle tethering and subsequent priming reactions. In addition, the analyses of ferlins shall reveal their role in membrane tethering and fusion. Reconstitution assays including microscopic single vesicle fusion measurements, in combination with structural methods (e.g., cryo-EM) will reveal the structure-function relationships underlying the reaction cascade.

• DFG Programme: CRC/Transregios
• Subproject of: TRR 83: Molecular Architecture and Cellular Functions of Lipid/Protein Assemblies
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Thomas Söllner