Structural and functional analysis of the multi-C2-domain protein otoferlin (A11#)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2020 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 154113120

Otoferlin, a member of the ferlin multi C2 domain protein family, plays a key role in neurotransmitter release in inner hair cells. Despite advances in understanding the function of otoferlin in inner hair cells, it remains unclear how the multi C2 domains operate in synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Capitalizing on our recent breakthrough in purification of full-length otoferlin, we plan to address its biochemical and biophysical properties and to determine its three-dimensional structure in the presence or absence of cofactors (Ca2+, lipids, interacting proteins). We expect this research to yield novel insights into the molecular mechanism of otoferlin-mediated exocytosis.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 889: Cellular Mechanisms of Sensory Processing
• Applicant Institution: Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
• Project Heads: Dr. Julia Preobraschenski; Privatdozentin Eri Sakata, Ph.D.