Structure-function relationships of supported membranes

加州大学戴维斯分校的Tonya L.Kuhl教授得到化学系的支持，开发了先进的分析技术，包括高分辨率同步辐射X射线反射率(XR)、掠入射衍射(GID)、荧光显微镜和表面力显微镜，用于表征脂膜的结构，并量化导致脂膜自组织和膜形成的相互作用力。系统的方法将被用来确定脂类成分、环境条件和底层支撑物的化学对膜结构的影响。类脂膜将被放置在对pH敏感的聚合物垫上，以使蛋白质能够在不扭曲其结构的情况下并入。另一个相关的重点是开发一种用于蛋白质二维结晶的类脂膜平台。总体目标是开发坚固且易于制造的仿生膜平台，用于基础生物物理研究和组装生物化学传感器，以可控的方式模拟细胞膜的化学和物理环境。了解这些模型系统为研究生物膜打开了大门，生物膜在细胞的正常功能中发挥着关键作用。学生将接受使用先进光子源的培训，以在化学、物理和生物之间进行多学科研究。

Professor Tonya L. Kuhl of the University of California-Davis is supported by the Division of Chemistry to develop advanced analytical techniques, including high resolution synchrotron x-ray reflectivity (XR), grazing incidence diffraction (GID), fluorescent microscopy, and surface force microscopy, for the characterization of the structure of lipid membranes and the quantification of the interaction forces responsible for lipid self organization and membrane formation. A systematic approach will be used to determine the effect of lipid composition, environmental conditions, and the chemistry of the underlying support on the structure of the membranes. The lipid membrane will be placed on a pH-responsive polymer cushion to enable the incorporation of proteins without distorting their structure. Another related thrust is to develop a lipid membrane platform for 2-D protein crystallization.The overarching aim is to develop robust and easily fabricated biomimetic membrane platforms for fundamental biophysical studies and for the assembly of biochemical sensors that mimic the chemical and physical environment of the cell membranes in a controllable manner. Understanding these model systems opens the door for the study of biological membranes which play a crucial role in enabling the proper functions of cells. Students will be trained in the use of advanced photon sources to conduct multidisciplinary research at the interface between chemistry, physics and biology.