Project description
Microfluidics-based method for membrane protein crystallisation
Determining the 3D structure of membrane proteins from exploitable crystal samples represents a significant technical challenge, given the complexity and instability of these biological macromolecules. Despite their importance as drug targets, only 600 unique membrane protein crystal structures have been determined to date. Consequently, there is an imminent need to develop reliable methods for crystallising membrane proteins. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the RAMP project proposes to incorporate microfluidics-based technology in the crystallisation process for precise control of experimental conditions and the properties of the crystals generated. By focusing on membrane transporters, the researchers hope to provide unprecedented insights into the function of target proteins and pave the way for relative drug design.
Objective
Membrane proteins form more than 85% of drug targets, but just 600 unique membrane protein crystal structures have been determined. A better understanding of how to crystallize membrane proteins reliably is therefore urgently required. The Innovative Training Network “RAtionalising Membrane Protein crystallisation” – RAMP will bring together cutting-edge physical chemistry methods for crystallisation condition control and phase diagram exploration, and the development of new lipids and screens in conjunction with industry with the most challenging biological problems. The network includes expert academic and industrial research groups in crystallisation theory, methods development, membrane protein crystallography, drug development and novel structural techniques like time-resolved and neutron crystallography. We will develop new, rational methods for crystallising membrane proteins, focusing particularly on transporters that are also interesting drug targets. The new robust crystallisation methods will also allow us to use emerging European research infrastructures like XFEL or ESS to gain insight into membrane protein function because the techniques will provide the necessary precise control of crystal size.
A structured training programme organized by academia and industry together will equip the early stage researchers with the skills needed for a successful research career in the field of structural biology. Frequent secondments, research visits and meetings between early-career scientists ensure an efficient exchange of ideas and practical experiences between different groups leading to better integration of European research and innovations in structural biology. Supervision and mentoring by several senior scientists will give the researchers a strong scientific education and make them highly competitive in the work place of tomorrow. The work programme here will improve European competitiveness and advance graduate training.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: https://op.europa.eu/en/web/eu-vocabularies/euroscivoc.
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics fluid mechanics microfluidics
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geology mineralogy crystallography
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- natural sciences biological sciences molecular biology structural biology
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.1. - Fostering new skills by means of excellent initial training of researchers
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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.
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.
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.
MSCA-ITN-ETN - European Training Networks
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-ITN-2016
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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.
38058 GRENOBLE
France
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.