Objective
The folding of knotted proteins is a challenging research topic of great biophysical interest. In this field, computer simulations have greatly contributed to advance our comprehension of the mechanisms that allow a polypeptide to form a knot during the folding. However, due to limitations in methods and resources, the state-of-the-art picture on the process is still incomplete, and mostly limited to the simplest nontrivial topology, the trefoil knot.
In this Action I will investigate the folding of human Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase, whose backbone forms a Gordian knot with five crossings. I will make use of a multi-scale Molecular Dynamics strategy that combines coarse grained and all-atom models with enhanced sampling. Using a coarse grained model I will outline a general picture of the folding, devising the preferential pathways and intermediate states. Then, building on this knowledge, I will employ a full-atom representation of the system, targeting the calculations in the most relevant region of the protein's free energy landscape. The effect of an
explicit solvent description will be considered as well. The computational time limitations will be lifted by enhancing the sampling through the use of Metadynamics and Variationally Enhanced Sampling.
The Action relies on my experience in enhanced sampling methods, that will be complemented by the training and expertise provided by the host institution, a leading center in coarse-grained modeling of bio-polymers and soft matter. In the course of the action I will establish two key collaborations, providing further expertise for the success of my simulations, and allowing the validation of my theoretical model with experiments.
The output of the project will generalize the current picture on knotted protein folding, introducing important methodological advancements, and contributing to the knowledge on a system of great biomedical interest, connected to diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
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 physical sciences condensed matter physics soft matter physics
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics topology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins protein folding
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins enzymes
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics mathematical model
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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-2017
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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.
80539 MUNCHEN
Germany
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.