NeMPSIA · Neutrons for Membrane Protein Structure, Interactions, and Assembly

Understanding membrane protein structure, interaction between these proteins and lipids, and how membrane proteins assemble in the membrane are as of yet unsolved problems of structural biology. This proposal aims to further our understanding in these areas by uniquely combining structural and biophysical data obtained from nuclear magnetic resonance experiments (Straus` area of expertise) with neutron methods, such as small angle neutron scattering (SANS), reflectometry, and neutron diffraction (Forsyth`s and other ILL members` area of research). Specifically, the team will focus their attention on three areas: 1) membrane perturbing antibiotic structure; 2) interaction of lipopeptides with the essential bacterial cell wall biosynthesis component lipid II; and 3) the assembly of membrane proteins in lipids, as studied using the tractable system of B5 filamentous bacteriophage. The proposed projects will not only enable Straus to expand her repertoire in structural methods by exposing her to a host of neutron methodology, but will also cement a strong partnership between Canada and France. The projects will also involve the close collaboration of a number of research groups in France and Germany: the group of Michel Gauthier in Nantes, a leading expert in B5 filamentous bacteriophage and the group of Hans-Georg Sahl in Bonn, who have worked extensively on characterizing interactions between lipopeptides and lipid II. The interdisciplinary nature of the proposed work and the strength of the team will ensure success on all fronts.