Exploring topology and dynamics of molecular interactions at Y receptors in living cells via non-canonical amino acids (B04)

• Subject Area: Biochemistry ; Structural Biology
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 421152132

After discovering how natural neuropeptide ligands bind to the Y5 receptor (Y5R) in the first funding period, we aim now at dissecting the dynamic of the peptide binding process by applying molecular dynamic simulations and newly developed fluorescent conformational sensors. In the second place, we will apply our recently established crosslinking platform to investigate the molecular details of the interaction of the Y5R and the other Y receptors with arrestin. We expect to gain new information about basic mechanisms that determine the different behavior of even similar and phylogenetically tightly related GPCRs with respect to arrestin recruitment and internalization.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1423: Structural Dynamics of GPCR Activation and Signaling
• Applicant Institution: Universität Leipzig
• Project Head: Professorin Dr. Irene Coin