Overarching Research Topics
- Membrane protein assembly and communication
- Lipid transfer and protein-lipid interactions
Allosteric coupling and transmembrane signaling - Structural and computational integration
- Organelle contact sites and compartmentalization
- Dynamic and pleiomorphic assemblies
General Questions and Integrative Approaches
- In-vitro and in-cellulo approaches
- Conformational dynamics and allosteric networks
Assembly and disassembly pathways, biogenesis - Nano-and microscale reaction compartments
- Supramolecular organization
- Physiological function and diseases
The CRC projects are thematically intertwined and take full advantage of the many advanced methodologies and emerging techniques available through the CRC members. Each project is based on uniform principles and focuses on central topics to elucidate the role and modular organization of functional units confined in membranes. The CRC projects also interlock in the innovative use of integrative in vitro and in situ approaches, ranging from cryo-electron microscopy, X-ray crystallography, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and high-resolution light microscopy, to native mass spectrometry, ultrafast spectroscopy, optogenetics, and artificial intelligence (AI)-guided molecular dynamics simulations and modeling.
In summary, the close thematic and methodological connections between the groups and their tight interactions place this CRC into a unique position to uncover fundamental principles of membrane protein assemblies in cell compartmentalization that are conserved between different cells and organisms.