Structural and functional analysis of the multi-C2-domain protein otoferlin (A11#)

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Otoferlin, a member of the ferlin multi C2 domain protein family, plays a key role in neurotransmitter release in inner hair cells. Despite advances in understanding the function of otoferlin in inner hair cells, it remains unclear how the multi C2 domains operate in synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Capitalizing on our recent breakthrough in purification of full-length otoferlin, we plan to address its biochemical and biophysical properties and to determine its three-dimensional structure in the presence or absence of cofactors (Ca2+, lipids, interacting proteins). We expect this research to yield novel insights into the molecular mechanism of otoferlin-mediated exocytosis.