Role of DUF 3411 proteins in dynamic remodeling and inter-membrane interactions of the plastidial envelope membrane system (B11)

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

Plastids in plant cells host a broad range of metabolic functions, from photosynthesis to fatty acid and amino acid biosynthetic pathways. However, it is still not fully understood how plastid metabolism is interfaced with that of the cytoplasm via metabolite transporters and membrane contact sites. In the proposed work, we will test the hypothesis that a family of plastid envelope membrane proteins containing a domain of unknown function 3411 represent a novel class of amino acid transporters. We will further develop novel methodology to identify proteins that mediate the interaction between the chloroplast envelope (as well as mitochondria) and the endoplasmic reticulum. On the long term, our work will contribute to the understanding of how organelles of endosymbiotic origin in plant cells dynamically interact with other cellular compartments while maintain their distinct membrane-defined identities.

• 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: Professor Dr. Andreas P.M. Weber