Local Control in Lipid Bilayers for the Modification of Membrane Binding and Transport

这个多学科项目的重点是适应和发展最先进的光学和生物学工具和方法来研究模型膜，目标是为系统地理解局部结构-功能关系奠定基础。最初的研究将集中在曲率和结构域形成对模型膜结合和运输的影响。膜曲率将通过光学捕获、微移液管吸吸、封装微管蛋白聚合和/或在具有固定曲率的固体基底上支持膜来控制。曲率将由视频增强的高分辨率微分干涉对比显微镜监测。结合和运输，以及结构域的形成和重组，将使用荧光显微镜和适当的探针进行监测。该奖项由物理部、分析和表面化学项目、数学和物理科学理事会多学科活动办公室以及生物科学理事会细胞生物学项目联合支持。

This multidisciplinary project focuses on adapting and developing state-of-the art optical and biological tools and methods to study model membranes, with the goal of laying the groundwork for a systematic understanding of local structure-function relationships. Initial studies will focus on the effect of curvature and domain formation on binding to and transport across model membranes. Membrane curvature will be controlled by optical trapping, micropipet aspiration, polymerization of encapsulated tubulin, and/or supporting membranes on solid substrates having fixed curvature. Curvature will be monitored by video-enhanced high-resolution differential interference contrast microscopy. Binding and transport, as well and domain formation and reorganization, will be monitored using fluorescence microscopy and appropriate probes. The award is jointly supported by the Physics Division, the Analytical and Surface Chemistry program, and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences Directorate and the Cellular Biology Program in the Biosciences Directorate.