SFB 431: Membrane Proteins: Functional Dynamics and Coupling to Cellular Networks

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The scientific focus of the Collaborative Research Center (SFB 431) is the analysis of structure and function of membrane proteins from cells and cellular organelles. These proteins are central to the communication of living cells and organisms with their environments including other organisms. Membrane proteins transport solutes and carry energy as well as information over the membrane. Solutes and energy are channeled within the cell to metabolic pathways, while the information is transferred from the membrane by complex signal transduction systems to cellular targets where they trigger responses such as in the form of altered metabolic fluxes, gene control, and changes in behaviour. Research of the SFB 431 accordingly aims first at the elucidation of the structure of such membrane-bound proteins, and of the conformational changes which occur upon transport across the membrane. Research aims second at the coupling of membrane-bound sensors to signal transduction systems and at the dynamics involved in these processes. Research objects are bacteria and eukaryotic microorganisms as well as plant, insect and animal cells.