Ultrafast dynamics and structural studies of prokaryotic and plant phytochromes (B07)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 221545957

Using X-ray crystallography together with state-of-the-art ultrafast Vis and IR spectroscopic methods, we propose to determine and interpret phytochrome structures and track ultrafast changes in hydrogen bonding networks, proton donor and acceptor groups and electrostatic interactions following photon absorption. We will focus on Cph1 and plant phytochromes, although studies on rhodopsins are also included. Comparison of related structures and dynamics will allow us to make general conclusions regarding structure/functional regulation via protonation dynamics and other processes.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1078: Protonation Dynamics in Protein Function
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Karsten Heyne, since 1/2017; Professor Dr. Jonathan Hughes, Ph.D.