Gating and ion transport dynamics in channelrhodopsins and light-driven pumps (B02)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: since 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 221545957

During the recent funding period, we characteri¬zed anion-conducting channelrhodopsins (ACRs) including the novel family of MerMAIDs identified by Tara Ocean metagenomics. Within the next funding period, we will further study MerMAIDs and continue with the recently identified viral ACRs and their relatives of their algal prasinophyte hosts. The second new class of interest will be cryptophyte cation-conducting channelrhodopsins (CCRs) that show large photocurrents and relation to light-driven pumps. Our studies will provide a concise concept for light-activated uni- and bi-directional ion conductance.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1078: Protonation Dynamics in Protein Function
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Nediljko Budisa, until 12/2019; Professor Dr. Peter Hegemann