Objective
Many proteins self-assemble into regular, shell-like, polyhedral structures. Protein capsids are useful, both in nature and in the laboratory, as molecular containers for diverse cargo molecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, and low molecular weight drugs. They can consequently serve as delivery vehicles, bioimaging agents, reaction vessels, and templates for the controlled synthesis of novel materials. Here, we will apply our experience with protein design and laboratory evolution to extend the properties of protein containers to create practical, non-viral encapsulation systems for applications in the test tube and in living cells. Specifically, we will adapt the icosohedral cage structures formed by Aquifex aeolicus lumazine synthase (AaLS) to engineer increasingly sophisticated supramolecular complexes for use as delivery vehicles, nanoreactors and, ultimately, as bacterial organelles. Our principal aims are to: (a) tailor AaLS capsids for selective encapsulation of a broad range of macromolecular guests; (b) develop AaLS capsids as delivery vehicles for medical and imaging applications; (c) design simplified, functional mimics of carbon-fixing carboxysomes; (d) evolve redox active organelles for metabolizing aliphatic alcohols; and (e) engineer artificial organelles for the detoxification of polychlorinated phenols. We anticipate that these experiments will lead to a deeper understanding of the principles underlying the construction, function and evolution of natural protein microcompartments. At the same time, they will establish powerful strategies for creating tailored assemblies for practical applications in delivery and catalysis.
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: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules nucleic acids
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry alcohols
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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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.
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.
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.
ERC-2012-ADG_20120216
See other projects for this call
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.
Host institution
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
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.