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Next generation single molecule protein fluorescence

Objective

Fluorescence techniques provide powerful means to study single protein machineries. Single molecule observation of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) has become an important tool for probing structure, distances, dynamics, physicochemical properties and size of purified (in vitro) protein complexes. Super-resolution techniques provide complementary spatial information about proteins in live (in vivo) specimen. Although these techniques have become very popular because of their high sensitivity, their throughput is limited by large statistical sampling requirements, complex sample preparation procedures and/or laborious data acquisition workflows. Here, I propose to design a unified single molecule approach by engineering ultrafast, semi-synthetic protein modification techniques and fluorescent readouts into nano/microfluidic hybrid devices. The development of an automated all-in-one Lab-on-a-Chip platform will dramatically improve throughput of single molecule fluorescence techniques. The technology will provide a multiparameter readout of molecular protein mechanisms across time, resolution and complexity scales in a generalised workflow. To demonstrate the power of the new platform, I will apply it to a mechanistic study of the multifunctionality of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which are vital to cellular function and associated with many disease mechanisms. The polymeric properties of IDPs enable them to populate a variety of states and engage with various cellular binding partners, thus exceeding the sampling limit of existing single molecule technologies. The new method will blur the boundaries between in cell superresolution microscopy and biochemical single molecule studies and unleash the true power of single molecule protein science for a range of applications in analytical sciences, drug discovery, biotechnology, systems biology and fundamental biomedical research.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2014-CoG

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Host institution

JOHANNES GUTENBERG-UNIVERSITAT MAINZ
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 542 673,46
Address
SAARSTRASSE 21
55122 MAINZ
Germany

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Region
Rheinland-Pfalz Rheinhessen-Pfalz Mainz, Kreisfreie Stadt
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 542 673,46

Beneficiaries (2)

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