Project description
Synthetic transmembrane light-activated anion transporters
The transport of anions across the cell membrane is essential to many biological processes. The EU-funded LIGHTPORT research programme aims to develop a synthetic system with anion receptors in which the binding properties can be modulated by light and to use them as transmembrane carriers to regulate passive and induce active transport. The objectives of the programme include the development of visible-light-actuated photoswitches, the development of mechanically interlocked structures as photoswitchable hosts, the application of these structures for light-gated transport, and light-driven pumping of anions across phospholipid bilayers. The overarching goal is to use this work toward the development of light-based localised pharmacological treatment, such as light-triggered cancer or bacterial cell elimination.
Objective
The transport of anions across the cell membrane, which is mediated by transport proteins, is essential to many important biological processes. Dysregulation of this transport has been associated to various diseases and therefore, chemists endeavour to develop artificial receptors that mimic the function of natural transporters. Despite much progress over the last decade, the current artificial systems are mostly static, while proteins are able to change their activity dynamically in response to stimuli in the environment. To integrate such stimuli-controlled behavior in synthetic systems is a key contemporary challenge. In view of this, the goal of the proposed research program is to develop anion receptors in which the binding properties can be effectively modulated by light and to apply these receptors as transmembrane carriers and pumps, in order to regulate passive transport (i.e. down a concentration gradient) and to induce active transport (i.e. against a concentration gradient). This interdisciplinary program is divided into three work packages: WP1 aims at the development of structurally rigid and visible-light-actuated photoswitches and their use as platforms for constructing anion receptors; WP2 deals with the development of mechanically interlocked structures as photoswitchable anionic hosts; WP3 is directed at utilizing these receptors for light-gated transport and light-driven pumping of anions across phospholipid bilayers, whereas also an alternative dual-responsive anion channel will be prepared. Eventually, it is expected that this work will open a new route toward light-based localized pharmacological treatment, e.g. via light-triggered cancer or bacterial cell death. Furthermore, active transport systems, that are able to build up and maintain concentration gradients across membranes, could provide a completely new view on how to convert and store light (solar) energy.
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.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
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.
This project's classification has been validated by the project's team.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
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.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
ERC-STG - Starting Grant
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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) ERC-2018-STG
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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.
2311 EZ Leiden
Netherlands
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.