GRANT: Molecular analysis of P-type ATPases from single vesicle to single molecule level

The following project, hosted by Associate Professor Thomas Günther Pomorski and Professor Dimitrios Stamou, has been awarded a 6million Danish Kroner grant by the Danish Council for Independent Research (Det Frie Forskningsråd) - Nature og Universe.

Project Description

Membrane proteins from the family of P-type ATPases play an important role in cellular homeostasis, by transporting substrates as varied as protons an lipids across membranes. This pump-activity is followed by extensive conformational changes in the structures of the proteins. Despite the existence of chrystal structures and several well-characterized members of this group of proteins, the fundamental mechanisms remain unknown. This is partly due to difficulties with the handling of integral membrane proteins during production and purification as well as during characterizing the proteins while constituted in the membranes. On the other side, studies of their molecular mechanisms require access to sophisticated experimental techniques for studying single molecule. We will address this from both sides by establishing well defined vesicle systems and state-of-the-art single molecule techniques for studying reconstituted plant plasma membrane proton pump proteins. This will open up to new insights into the inner workings of P-type ATPases.