Objective
The established relationship between biopolymers structure and function has led to the design of “Foldamers” – synthetic oligomers that can fold into well-defined three-dimensional conformations stable in solution. Substantial progress has been made in establishing foldamers that emulate protein secondary and tertiary structures. Further advancement of foldamers requires design strategies that will enable their use as superior materials with unique functions. Metal ions are key cofactors in both the structure and function of proteins and essentially Nature’s choice for sophisticated tasks such as folding, catalysis, and recognition. Thus, the goal of this proposal is to generate metal-binding foldamers and investigate (i) whether metal binding can induce folding of biomimetic oligomers and stabilize 3D conformations, (ii) whether the interactions with foldamers can mediate the geometrical and chiral properties of the metal complexes formed, and (iii) their use as enantioselective catalysts and chiral sensors. We study the class peptidomimetic foldamers called “peptoids” – N-substituted glycine oligomers. Their facile and efficient synthesis on solid phase support, which employs primary amines, enables the incorporation of various functional groups at specified N-positions along their spine. We will design and synthesize a diverse range of peptoid sequences, with different degrees of conformational order, incorporating at least one metal chelator. The various sequences will enable systematic investigation of the oligomers folding behavior upon metal coordination. Conformational changes and chirality will be detected by Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Based on our findings we will generate unique chiral sensors and multifunctional asymmetric catalysts: helical metallofoldamers incorporating an organic co-catalyst and an activation reagent on the same backbone will be evaluated for their ability to act cooperatively, thus emulating biomimetic function.
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 proteins
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering sensors
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry amines
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG
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.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
32000 Haifa
Israel
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.