Structure of Membrane Proteins by Electron Microscopy and Image Processing

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Project objective

The major objective is to solve the three dimensional structure of two membrane protein complexes using electron crystallography.1. The complex between the bacterial toxin colicin N and porins. The key point is to visualize structural changes that occur when the initially soluble toxin, mediated by porins, inserts and translocates into membranes. This mechanism is currently poorly understood, but the work is facilitated by availability of two-dimensional crystals of the complex and atomic coordinates of both molecules.2. Opioid receptors, which mediate analgesic action and the addictive properties of morphine-derived compounds, modulate pain controlling pathways, mood and reward. They belong to the group of trimeric G protein-coupled receptors with seven membrane helices. The structure of these important receptors is not known even at low resolution.This project will give me an excellent training and knowledge in:1. Biochemistry and crystallization of membrane proteins2. High-resolution electron microscopy including specimen preparation, imaging and image processing.Both projects are potentially important for pharmaceutical industrial interests in toxicology and analgesic /addictive drugs. The Pattus group has also established collaboration with the Astra pharmaceutical company on the functional studies of delta opioid receptor.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE · PARISCoordinatorFrance

Links

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