Structural investigation of membrane and water-soluble proteins

In this BAG we are investigating the structures and interactions of membrane proteins as well as soluble proteins with relevance to both fundamental and applied sciences. Important basic research projects are concerned with the foundations of proton transport, specifically the concept of proton wires, and the function of unusual, hitherto poorly characterised rhodopsins. In our application-related activities, we are addressing challenges in biotechnology, including the development of novel optogenetic tools (both soluble and membrane-based) as well as the optimisation of microbial enzymes for biomimetic synthesis or efficient hydrogen production, thus contributing to the establishment of sustainable technologies. Moreover, we are exploring the structural biology of selected soluble and membrane protein families with roles in homeostasis, stress response, and pathogenesis, along with innovative ways to modulate their functions, e.g. in anti-cancer or anti-infective therapy.

本BAG课题组围绕与基础科学及应用科学均相关的膜蛋白与可溶性蛋白的结构及其相互作用展开研究。本课题组的重要基础研究课题聚焦质子转运的理论基础，具体涵盖质子导线（proton wires）概念，以及此前尚未被充分表征的特殊视紫红质（rhodopsins）的功能机制。在应用研究方向，我们着力解决生物技术领域的多项挑战：包括开发新型光遗传学工具（optogenetic tools，涵盖可溶性及膜结合型两类），优化用于仿生合成或高效制氢的微生物酶，以此推动可持续技术的建立。此外，我们还针对在稳态维持、应激响应及致病过程中发挥功能的特定可溶性与膜蛋白家族开展结构生物学研究，并探索调控其功能的创新途径，例如将其应用于抗癌或抗感染治疗。