Remodelling lipid membranes with DNA/RNA nanotechnology (P15)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 511488495

This CRC project engineers membrane-remodeling DNA and RNA origami structures. While DNA origami is added externally, the RNA origami will be genetically encoded and endogenously expressed in cells. In particular, membrane-binding RNA aptamers will be developed and used to anchor a membrane-bending RNA origami on the nuclear membrane of mammalian cells. We thus provide a biophysical toolbox to engineer membrane remodeling events tailored to the needs of the CRC and ultimately be applicable as membrane-remodeling therapeutics.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1638: Cellular membrane remodelling – how changing form creates function
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Kerstin Göpfrich