MicroScale Thermophoresis device

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 459677197

The characterization of protein-ligand interactions represents an important method in enzymology and drug discovery and development. Moreover, the quantification, that is the determination of binding affinities, is of special importance. The MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST) device is required for the characterization and quantification of protein-ligand and protein-protein interactions as outlined in the project proposals of the applicants. The binding experiments will provide new, important insights into the catalytic mechanisms of unique enzymes and will contribute to drug development based on inhibitors of selected, medically relevant target enzymes. For some of the projects, binding studies have to be performed under strictly anaerobic conditions due to the oxygen-sensitivity of the enzymes or ligands. For all projects, experiments have to be performed in small volumes, and high throughput is of great advantage. For some of the projects, the used method must be compatible with the use of detergents. In contrast to other methods and devices, the MST-method and MST-device is ideally suited for all project requirements. Represented by the applicants, the MST-device will be used within several research consortia funded by the DFG, such as the RTGs 1976 and 2202, the Priority Programme 1927, the cluster of excellence CIBSS and the Collaborative Research Centre 850.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: MicroScale Thermophorese Gerät
• Instrumentation Group: 3160 Biomolekular-Interaktionssysteme
• Applicant Institution: Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
• Leader: Professorin Dr. Gunhild Monika Layer