Objective
Research objectives and content lon channels encoded by viruses are a relatively unexplored class of integral membrane protein which present potential targets for novel drugs. Channels formed by assemblies of the transmembrane (TM) alpha-helices of the M2 protein from influenza A and from the Vpu protein of HIV-1 will be explored. Computer simulations will be applied to:- (i) interactions of viral channel TM helices with lipid bilayers; and (ii) conductance properties of the resultant channels. Measurements of ionic currents across planar lipid bilayers will define the properties of ion channels formed by synthetic TM peptides. Simulation and experimental studies will focus on:- (i) effects of pH (M2) and ionic concentration (Vpu) on channel formation and stability; and (ii) conductance of protons (M2) and of cations vs. anions (Vpu). The project will provide basic physico-chemical characterisation of viral ion channels for future spectroscopic investigations and for design of novel anti-viral drugs.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact) The overall objective is to investigate structure/function relationships of integral membrane proteins. Techniques of simulation, conductance measurements and peptide synthesis are necessary to complement data from other ion channels by FTIR spectroscopy.
Links with industry / industrial relevance (22) The combination of computational and experimental studies of viral ion channels opens up possibilities of drug development and screening.
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 microbiology virology
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules lipids
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
- natural sciences mathematics applied mathematics mathematical model
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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.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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.
Coordinator
OX1 3QU Oxford
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.