Macromolecular Crystallography BAG - Structural Biology of light-responsive, signal-transducing and metallo-proteins

In this BAG continuation proposal we aim to structurally analyse soluble and membrane proteins in the ground and intermediate state that are involved in signal transduction processes and enzymatic substrate conversion. In the case of light-sensitive proteins as phytochromes and photolyases, we want to visualise various intermediate states in their photocycle or changes after defined light exposure and thus improve our understanding of their signalling mechanisms. Light-activated rhodopsins are found in all three domains of life and serve as a link for the conversion of solar energy into biological functions such as signal transduction, ion transport and modulation of enzyme activity. We aim to study wild-type and variants of eukaryotic and microbial rhodopsins that act as ion/proton pumps. In addition, we will study hydrogen-converting metalloproteins, so-called oxygen-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenases, under specific environmental conditions that could be of biotechnological relevance.