Unravelling the interactions of mGBP proteins with lipid membranes (A07)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: since 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 267205415

The murine guanylate binding proteins 2 and 7 (mGBP2 and mGBP7) are essential for immunity against the parasite Toxoplasma gondii in mice. It was shown that both proteins accumulate at vacuoles containing T. gondii, leading to the disruption of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane. However, the molecular mode of action underlying this defense mechanism is unknown. The overarching goal of the project is to close this gap of knowledge by elucidating the interplay between the protein dynamics of mGBP2 and mGBP7 and their binding to lipid membranes, and how this effects membrane integrity. To this end, state-of-the-art molecular simulations are performed and linked with experiments.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1208: Identity and Dynamics of Membrane Systems - from Molecules to Cellular Functions
• Applicant Institution: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Birgit Strodel