The role of protein-lipid interactions in fast Ca2+-triggered exocytosis (C05)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: since 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 200049484

Assembling trans-SNARE complexes function as the core fusion machinery that exerts mechanical force on adjoining membranes to induce membrane merger. Yet, the reorganization of lipid bilayers leading to putative fusion intermediates as well as fundamental structures of the nascent fusion pore, which mediates first release of neurotransmitter from the vesicle, are not well understood. Using a combination of high-resolution membrane capacitance measurements, carbon fiber amperometry, and ultrastructural analyses this project aims to characterize crucial proteins and lipid components facilitating membrane fusion.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1027: Physical Modelling of Non-Equilibrium Processes in Biological Systems
• Applicant Institution: Universität des Saarlandes
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Dieter Bruns; Professor Dr. Ralf Mohrmann, until 6/2021; Dr. Yvonne Schwarz, Ph.D., since 7/2021