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Content archived on 2024-06-18

Protein assembly: From the molecular scale to the mesoscale with super-resolution imaging

Objective

Cellular responses to external signals begin at the plasma membrane, where the dynamic assembly of receptors can regulate cellular activity. Membrane-enveloped viruses, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) also assemble at the plasma membrane, exploiting mechanisms evolved for cellular trafficking. However, our physical paradigm for how proteins form mesoscale assemblies is far from complete. While the organization and dynamics of membrane proteins are heterogeneous, commonly used fluorescence-based measurements lack information at the molecular scale. In contrast, single molecule measurements limited to looking at only a few molecules in a given cell lack ensemble information. Thus, the study of protein assembly has been limited by a lack of spatially resolved, dynamic information on ensembles of molecules. We will use super-resolution fluorescence imaging techniques combined with live cell imaging and single molecule tracking to determine how the dynamics of protein assembly are coordinated. The long-term goal of my research is to use quantitative fluorescence methods to identify the physical mechanisms for protein transport and organization in cells. The objective of this proposal is to establish quantitative models of protein assembly in two specific biological systems which were selected for the distinct characteristics of their assembly, and their relevance to human health. This will test the central hypothesis that molecular assembly is enhanced by the organization of the plasma membrane in the form of cytoskeletal elements and protein-lipid platforms. This interdisciplinary research will provide an experimental foundation for a statistical description of the cell, whose behaviour is embedded in protein organization and dynamics.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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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.

Call for proposal

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

ERC-2009-StG
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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-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Host institution

ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE
EU contribution
€ 1 542 518,00
Address
BATIMENT CE 3316 STATION 1
1015 LAUSANNE
Switzerland

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Region
Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Région lémanique Vaud
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.

No data

Beneficiaries (1)

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