Objetivo
The aim of the proposed project is to understand how the morphology of the phospholipid membrane, and in particular tubular geometry and high curvature, affects the diffusion and trapping of lipids and membrane proteins in synaptic spines of neuronal cells. This will be achieved by using a simplified in vitro system reconstituting artificial tubular membrane where the geometrical, physical and chemical parameters of the membrane can be closely controlled and varied and the diffusion of individual molecules in the membrane can be followed by single particle tracking (SPT) in the fluorescence microscope. To achieve spatial resolution of ca. 30 nm, which is about 10 times better than the diffraction limit of conventional optical microscopy, we will use SPT and trajectory analysis of quantum dots (QD) – semiconductor nanocrystals with exceptionally bright and stable fluorescence. QDs will be coupled to lipid or protein components of the membrane by biotin-streptavidin or antigen-antibody linkage. The project represents the first effort to experimentally elucidate the role of membrane shape in regulation of lateral diffusion in neuronal structures by using a model membrane system. Based on the proposed experiments and simulations we expect to formulate a model for lateral diffusion that explicitly takes geometry into account. Current proposal is a part of the larger multidisciplinary project jointly implemented by neurobiologists, theoretical physicists and biophysicists. This project combines an original approach, powerful techniques, expertise of the fellow and dynamic scientific environment at the host Institute. This forms a solid basis for cutting-edge research to the benefit of both the fellow and the Community. Successful completion of this project will promote the fellow’s transition towards an independent researcher and will facilitate his professional integration in France.
Ámbito científico
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteins
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopy
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculeslipids
- natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicssemiconductivity
- natural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicsgeometry
Convocatoria de propuestas
FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoria
Régimen de financiación
MC-ERG - European Re-integration Grants (ERG)Coordinador
75231 Paris
Francia