ERA NANOSCI: Observation and manipulation of individual type I interferon signalling complexes

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Jacob Piehler
• Subject Area: Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2007 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 39502660

Ligand recognition by transmembrane multi-protein complexes is propagated by y complex interplay of protein interactions and conformational changes. The dynamic nature of these complexes and the transmembrane architecture ha so far impeded unerstanding of signal transduction mechanism on the molecular level. Furthermore, an important role of local microstructures in the plasma membrane has become evifent. We aim to investigate individual type I interferon signalling complexes reconsti-tuted into structured model membranes. Ligand interaction dynamics, conformational changes and their propagation through the membrane will be determided using single-pair fluorescene resonance energy transfer. The energy landscape of the interactions will be probed by single molecule force spectroscopy. Combining biochemical methods, micro-fabrication techniques and single-molecule detection will provide a unique opportunity to comprehensively explore one of the most important biological processes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Israel, Netherlands
• Participating Persons: Dr. Ruti Kapon; Professor Dr. Thomas Schmidt