Project Details
Projekt Print View

GRK 1947:  Biochemical, Biophysical and Biomedical Effects of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species on Biological Membranes

Subject Area Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
Term from 2014 to 2019
Project identifier Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 231396381
 
Final Report Year 2021

Final Report Abstract

Since the last progress report from March 2018, in total eleven doctoral researchers were employed. Another one was funded by the University to strengthen the research programme of the RTG, this doctoral researcher was supported by the RTG 1947 with consumables like all other member of the RTG. Additionally, 13 doctoral researchers funded through other sources became associated members to enrich the scientific content and in turn benefit from both the scientific and qualification programme of the RTG 1947. The scientific program consisted of lab courses, both scientific and soft-skill workshops as well as annual meetings in 2018 and 2019. In the meantime, almost all of the funded doctoral students of the first cohort have graduated, and seven of the second cohort have submitted their dissertations. Furthermore, eight of the associated doctoral researchers have finished their dissertation. Up to now, the doctoral researchers have authored 80 peer-reviewed publications. The focus of the four projects in section A was on the endogenous production of ROS and RNS that subsequently act on biological membranes and other compounds. The sources of the ROS/RNS investigated were enzymes (A2-4) and xenobiotics (A1). Significant progress was made, for instance, with respect to the redox regulation of proteins through the specific oxidation of proteins by dedicated enzymes, the structural analysis of a plastic-degrading enzyme, the regulation of the systemic Inflammatory response by the NLRP3 inflammasome in mice with acute pancreatitis, and the role of an aquaporin as crucial hydrogen peroxide transporter in insulin-producing cells. The five projects of section B focussed on the physico-chemical and chemical level of interactions of ROS/RNS with membranes. Information on changes of the physical properties of model membranes was provided such as membrane thickness, phase states, homogeneity (B1, B6) and cell elasticity (B5) as influenced by chemical reactions (B2, B4, B6) of the different membrane molecules. The protective effect of sphingomyelin on other membrane lipids was demonstrated. Methods to measure the cell elasticity were optimized. In collaboration with project C2, B2 and A3, the effect of enzyme Tafazzin on cell elasticity was explored. With electrochemistry, the thermodynamics of membrane constituents were elucidated. The three projects of project area C are focussed on the physiological and pathophysiological consequences that result from distinct interactions of ROS/RNS with membranes and essential membrane constituents in biological systems. This biological context comprised bacteria (C4, Chlostridium difficile), mammalian cells and tissues (C2), and plants (C3). Some of the most notable progress was made with respect to Tafazzindependent cardiolipin composition in mitochondrial membranes, the regulation of a plant H+-ATPase by redox modification of a specific cysteine residue, and the role of the transcriptional repressor PerR in oxidative stress response in Clostridioides difficile.

Publications

 
 

Additional Information

Textvergrößerung und Kontrastanpassung