Protonation and conformational changes at the surface of proteins (A02)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: since 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 221545957

Advanced fluorescence spectroscopic methods in combination with molecular biology are applied to understand the interplay between activation of the embedded cofactor and protonation, conformational and hydration dynamics at the protein surface of cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) and the photoreceptor phytochrome. We will address the enigmatic proton release pathways in CcO using probes attached to surface residues and internal groups such as R473. Vibrational Stark Effect probes at single cysteine mutants for electric field changes and proton release and uptake studies at the protein surface will facilitate the understanding of signal transfer in phytochromes.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1078: Protonation Dynamics in Protein Function
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professorin Dr. Ulrike Alexiev, until 12/2023 (†); Professor Dr. Joachim Heberle, since 12/2023