Obiettivo Proteins execute a broad range of functions that are central to life. Understanding these functions ultimately requires experiments at the single protein level to reveal dynamics and heterogeneities hidden in ensemble-averaged measurements. Currently, the preferred method to study single protein machineries is based on fluorescence techniques. However, fluorescence experiments suffer from major challenges: the need for external fluorescent labeling, weak signals and low non-physiological concentrations in the nanomolar range. These challenges severely limit the applicability and biological relevance of single molecule fluorescence on proteins. The TryptoBoost project aims to overcome all the previous challenges, and efficiently monitor single label-free proteins using their intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence enhanced by optical nanoantennas in the ultraviolet. Using the natural amino acid fluorescence rules out all drawbacks due to external labeling, while the optical nanoantennas enable single protein analysis at the physiologically relevant micromolar concentrations thanks to the localization and enhancement of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale. To demonstrate the power of this new technology, our interdisciplinary team will probe the important biological problems of amyloid aggregation and tumor suppressor p53 protein folding dynamics at high concentrations. The TryptoBoost approach is directly applicable to any protein containing aromatic amino acids. This condition is met by more than 90% of human proteins, so the project breakthroughs will benefit a broad range of biophysical, chemical, and medical applications. For instance, it will improve the development of therapeutic drugs, increase the detection sensitivity and read-out speed in analytical biosensing on chip, and provide new nanostructures to enhance ultraviolet photocatalysis. Campo scientifico natural scienceschemical sciencescatalysisphotocatalysisengineering and technologyenvironmental biotechnologybiosensingnatural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsprotein foldingnatural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryamines Parole chiave protein fluorescence spectroscopy single molecule nanophotonics optical antenna Programma(i) H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme Argomento(i) ERC-2016-COG - ERC Consolidator Grant Invito a presentare proposte ERC-2016-COG Vedi altri progetti per questo bando Meccanismo di finanziamento ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant Istituzione ospitante CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS Contribution nette de l'UE € 1 947 208,00 Indirizzo RUE MICHEL ANGE 3 75794 Paris Francia Mostra sulla mappa Regione Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Tipo di attività Research Organisations Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Partecipazione a programmi di R&I dell'UE Opens in new window Rete di collaborazione HORIZON Opens in new window Costo totale € 1 947 208,13 Beneficiari (1) Classifica in ordine alfabetico Classifica per Contributo netto dell'UE Espandi tutto Riduci tutto CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS Francia Contribution nette de l'UE € 1 947 208,00 Indirizzo RUE MICHEL ANGE 3 75794 Paris Mostra sulla mappa Regione Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Tipo di attività Research Organisations Collegamenti Contatta l’organizzazione Opens in new window Sito web Opens in new window Partecipazione a programmi di R&I dell'UE Opens in new window Rete di collaborazione HORIZON Opens in new window Costo totale € 1 947 208,13