29. October 2024, 16:00 until 17:00

M. Bishara, TU Wien, Institut für Angewandte Physik, FB Biophysik

Seminar

Quantification of the hydrodynamic radius of transmembrane proteins in living cells

Advances in x-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy have transformed structural biology, offering detailed views of protein structures. However, transmembrane proteins remain difficult to study due to the loss of their native membrane environment during purification. This gap in understanding their structure in situ limits insights into their functional roles. To address this, we developed a micropatterning approach to measure the hydrodynamic size of transmembrane proteins directly in living cells. By immobilizing proteins directly in the plasma membrane, we effectively create obstacles hindering the diffusion of a fluorescent lipid tracer. Changes in mobility in- and outside of created protein micropatterns allow us to assess the protein’s immediate nano- environment. Using four well-characterized transmembrane proteins, we found that the measured sizes closely match structural data, providing evidence against the tight binding of boundary lipids to the protein surface.

Calendar entry

Event location

SEM.R. DB gelb 05 B
1040 Wien
Wiedner Hauptstraße 8-10/E134

 

Organiser

IAP
Manuela Marik
marik@iap.tuwien.ac.at

 

Public

Yes

 

Entrance fee

No

 

Registration required

No