Functional modulation of the K+ transporter KtrAB in vivo and in vitro (P22*)

KtrAB系统是细菌K+动态平衡的关键因素。尽管它在细菌中的作用已被很好地描述，但我们对该复合体的分子功能和调节缺乏了解。在这个项目中，我们将重点研究不同刺激的作用，即核苷酸结合和质膜成分的调节。利用荧光显微镜进行的活体研究将阐明蛋白质在渗透应激和非应激细胞中的组装和分布。在体外，蛋白质的结构和动力学信息通过低温电子显微镜、X射线结晶学和EPR光谱获得，而蛋白质的功能则通过电生理和运输分析来研究。

The KtrAB system is a key player for the K+ homeostasis in bacteria. Though its role in bacteria is well described we are lacking knowledge on the molecular function and regulation of the complex. In this project we will focus on the role of different stimuli, namely nucleotide binding and the modulation by the plasma membrane composition. In vivo studies using fluorescence microscopy will elucidate the protein assembly and distribution in osmotically stressed and non-stressed cells. In vitro, structural and dynamic information is gained from cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography and EPR spectroscopy while the proteins¿ function is studied by electrophysiology and transport assays.