Molecular interactions
ARRS Project code: P1-0391
Period: 1.1.2015 - 31.12.2020
Head: Prof. Gregor Anderluh
ABSTRACT
Molecular interactions are crucial for the majority of biological processes and fundamental features of interactions are preserved in all kingdoms of life. To understand the complexity and functionality of various biological processes, it is crucial to study the interactions between the involved molecules. The Molecular Interactions Programme Group will study direct molecular interactions of proteins in different biological contexts, with main emphasis on pathogenesis and the immune system. Our main goal will be to understand structural details of molecular interactions, plasticity of these interactions and consequently the protein function. We will focus on some of the most important virulence factors in human diseases such as tuberculosis, listeriosis, malaria, aspergillosis, as well as some of the most devastating diseases in agriculture like potato blight. From the theoretical point of view we will contribute to understanding of protein evolution and evolution of protein binding sites for various ligands. Specifically we will study i) mechanism of action of proteins from intracellular bacteria like Mycobacteria, Listeria and others and their potential involvement in pathogenicity, ii) mechanism of activity of MACPF/CDC superfamily of proteins and iii) evolution of small tightly folded binding modules based on known structures of protein toxins that damage membranes. We also plan to develop novel approaches for regulation of activities of proteins under study by systematically targeting their interactions with other molecules. Besides understanding the basic principles in functioning of proteins from selected biological systems, we will implement the acquired knowledge to either benefit the efforts of the medical and pharmaceutical approaches to fight diseases and also elsewhere in biotechnology where biological molecules are used to support technological processes. In addition, we will implement the knowledge and expertise obtained from our basic research into the nanobiotechnological applications such as novel approaches for preparation of proteins, synthetic biology of lipid membranes, use of proteins for nanobiotechnological applications and pharmacological applications of large protein complexes. The proposed research activities will be performed in the Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology at the National Institute of Chemistry. The laboratory combines knowledge, experiences and equipment for research of proteins, lipids and molecular interactions. The group has extensive experiences in protein production, purification and characterisation. The members of the programme group have developed some of the state-of-the-art approaches for studying molecular interactions. The obtained results will have important impact on plant, animal and human health, as well as industrial applications involving proteins.
