Project description
Oligo-squaramide structures as a synthetic transmembrane signalling receptors
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane proteins that bind ligands at their extracellular region to promote a conformational change, transferring signal into the cytosol. Squaramides (SQs) are a family of conformationally rigid cyclobutene ring derivatives. The EU-funded SQSig project aims to exploit the self-assembly properties of SQs to create a relay of information through a bilayer membrane. Monomeric SQs self-assemble as head-to-tail aggregates, oriented in the same direction. Functionalising the terminal SQ of an oligo-SQ relay with a binding site and the opposite end with a spectroscopic reporter will recreate a synthetic GPCR, able to transmit conformational information from one side of a bilayer membrane to the other.
Objective
G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are transmembrane proteins that are used by cells to transmit information through their membranes; binding of a ligand to their extracellular region provokes a conformational change, initiating a biological process in the cytosol. Copying this type of signaling pathway, which is fundamental to cells and thus a key target in medicinal chemistry, is a fascinating challenge that could allow researchers to bypass endogenous signaling pathways in cells and lead to true synthetic biology. In this project we propose to exploit the self-assembly properties of squaramides (SQs) to create a relay of information through a bilayer membrane. Monomeric SQs self-assemble as head-to-tail aggregates, forming ribbons with all the SQs oriented in the same direction. We have designed a family of scaffolded oligo-SQ arrays that will form intramolecular hydrogen-bonded ribbons aligned in either one direction or the other. We hypothesize that inverting the directionality of the terminal SQ of the ribbon will initiate a domino effect that switches the orientation of the whole array. By functionalizing the terminal SQ of the oligo-SQ relay with a binding site and the opposite end with a spectroscopic reporter, followed by insertion in model membranes, we will show that binding of an external ligand to the terminal SQ switches the directionality of the entire SQ-ribbon and provokes a spectroscopic response from the reporter located at the other side of the membrane. Thus this system will act as a synthetic GPCR, able to transmit conformational information from one side of a bilayer membrane to the other. The action combines the experience of the researcher in the preparation and study of SQs with the expertise of the host group in the development of transmembrane devices. While the fellow will bring new knowledge in synthetic and supramolecular chemistry to the host group, he will acquire valuable experience in the analysis and biophysics of membranes.
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 synthetic biology
- medical and health sciences basic medicine medicinal chemistry
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences biophysics
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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.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018
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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.
M13 9PL Manchester
United Kingdom
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.