Molecular Motors

细胞利用分子马达来控制其内部布局，运输货物，改变形状和移动。我们将构建人工分子机器，以研究分子马达的机制和功能，了解其物理原理，并开发纳米分子系统的新技术。该项目基于使用DNA的分子级构建技术。DNA是一种奇妙的材料：通过利用碱基配对的相互作用将DNA双螺旋连接在一起，可以控制短的合成DNA链组装形成复杂的三维物体的方式。甚至可以使这些结构移动。我们将使用基于马达蛋白机制的设计原理，从DNA中创建全合成分子马达。我们还将创造由天然马达蛋白与人工DNA模板连接组成的混合机器。我们将使用这些结构来执行受细胞分子机制启发的功能，并探索马达及其轨道可以设计为相互作用以创建复杂结构和运动的方式。该项目将为博士后研究人员和研究生提供职业发展机会和物理/生命科学接口研究的跨学科培训。

Molecular motors are used by cells to control their internal layout, to transport cargoes, to change shape and to move. We will construct artificial molecular machines in order to study the mechanisms and functions of molecular motors, to understand their physical principles, and to develop new technologies for nanoscale molecular systems. The project is based on techniques for molecular-scale construction using DNA. DNA is a wonderful material with which to build: by exploiting the base-pairing interactions that hold together the DNA double helix, it is possible to control the way in which short, synthetic strands of DNA assemble to form complex three-dimensional objects. It is even possible to make these structures move. We will create all-synthetic molecular motors from DNA, using design principles based on the mechanisms of motor proteins. We will also create hybrid machines consisting of natural motor proteins linked to artificial DNA templates. We will use these structures to perform functions that are inspired by the molecular machinery of the cell and to explore the ways in which motors and their tracks can be designed to interact to create complex structures and movements. This project we will provide career development opportunities and interdisciplinary training in research at the physics / life sciences interface for postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.