Project R-8643

Single molecule Förster resonance energy transfer, and its application to ligand gated ion channel structure (Research)

The glycine receptor (GlyR) is a protein involved in neuron communication. It is present in the membrane of neuron cells of the spinal cord and brain. Upon binding of glycine it transports chloride ions, thereby fine-tuning neuron activity. The alpha 3 type GlyR is a promising target to treat pain, but more fundamental insights on receptor structure and function are needed. As it comprises five subunits, different combinations of subunits lead to receptors with different properties. To investigate receptor structure and activity requires new analysis methods. In this project, novel single-molecule labeling strategies will be implemented, and an available widefield fluorescence microscope will be upgraded such that dual-color Förster resonance energy transfer experiments can be performed. The different methodological developments in this project are widely applicable in the life sciences.

01 January 2018 - 31 December 2020