Structure of modules of the respiratory NADH: Ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Thorsten Friedrich
• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Term: from 2001 to 2007
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5307268

The structure and function of the proton-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, also called respiratory complex I, is poorly understood due to its complex composition. A minimal form of the complex made in bacteria is constructed of a hydrophilic NADH dehydrogenase module, an amphipatic connecting module and a hydrophobic membrane module. We are trying to crystallize the complex and its modules from Escherichia coli and from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus. The overall structure of the E. coli complex I from E coli will be also determined by electroncryomicroscopy of two-dimensional membranes of complex I and the membrane module.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1070: Struktur funktioneller Module von energiewandelnden Systemen in Prokaryoten