Objective One of the key characteristics of life is the existence of boundaries that delineate the organism from its environment. The boundary membrane structure that defines all cells is called the plasma membrane. Membranes are constituted of a large variety of lipids and membrane proteins, key molecules for plenty vital cellular functions such as transport, energy transduction, signaling, and communication, to name a few. Despite the importance of membrane processes, little is known about the structure of its constituents and less about their supramolecular arrangement. In this project the focus is set on the analysis of membrane proteins, their supramolecular complexes, their structural assembly and mechanism of cooperative function, and thus an integral view of the native membrane.To achieve this goal, we are performing membrane biochemistry and develop 3 axes of research, all Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) –based, comprising technical developments of high-resolution and high-speed AFM, AFM-hybrid techniques, but also target-focused application research, all, to gain information about the structure and assembly of membrane proteins in native membranes at unprecedented resolution.1) Technical developments: In this project subaxis, we are performing two major technical developments, a hybrid atomic force microscope (AFM) - tip enhanced raman spectroscopy (AFM-TERS), and a high-speed AFM - Optical Microscopy setup.2) AFM imaging: Analysis of the supramolecular assembly of membrane complexes in native membranes ex cellula and in cellula, with a particular focus on alterations of membrane structure and membrane protein assembly and conformation due to pathology or addition of drugs.3) AFM force spectroscopy: Analysis of forces and affinities within and in between membrane complexes on molecules and cells, with a particular focus on the development of small-cantilever HS-AFM -based force spectroscopy (dynamic force spectroscopy and force clamp modes). Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopynatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculeslipidsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepathologynatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-LS1 - ERC Starting Grant - Molecular and Structural Biology and Biochemistry Call for proposal ERC-2012-StG_20111109 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE EU contribution € 1 500 000,00 Address RUE DE TOLBIAC 101 75654 Paris France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Solange Nguefang (Ms.) Principal investigator Simon Scheuring (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA SANTE ET DE LA RECHERCHE MEDICALE France EU contribution € 1 500 000,00 Address RUE DE TOLBIAC 101 75654 Paris See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Solange Nguefang (Ms.) Principal investigator Simon Scheuring (Dr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
