Studying interactions of Membrane Proteins with ligands

Transmembrane receptors and their interaction with ligand molecules still impose a major challenge upon structural biology: In the membrane-reconstituted state, such proteins are not accessible with liquid-state NMR spectroscopy, and crystallization protocols are far from standard. In the past decade, solid-state NMR spectroscopy has developed into a promising tool for structure elucidation or even determination of immobilized proteins which do not have to be crystalline nor soluble. One of the largest obstackles in solid-state NMR spectroscopy is still the low sensitivity. However, the inherently low sensitivity of nuclear magnetization can be overcome by exploiting the 660 times higher magnetic moment of unpaired electrons for signal enhancement via dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). In 2012 our group will be equipped with one of the first DNP-spectrometers operating at a proton frequency of 600 MHz, in addition to existing state-of-the art solid-state NMR spectrometers ra
 nging from 600 MHz to 800 MHz. We are investigating several membrane receptors and their interactions with ligands. We also develop techniques tailored to specific questions and signal enhancement, and especially DNP will provide ample opportunities for methods developments.

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in Physics and Biochemistry. Basic knowledge and experience in NMR or EPR spectroscopy is an advantage. A strong interest in Physics and structural biology and is a prerequisite. The applicant should be highly motivated, open for new approaches and techniques, and able to tackle demanding challenges. Workplace will be the exquisitely equipped Forschungszentrum Juelich.

Homepage: http://www.uni-duesseldorf.de/MathNat/fknmr/

Please send in your complete application for the research school "BioStruct" as specified:
https://www.uni-duesseldorf.de/home/Fakultaeten/math_nat/Graduiertenkollegs/biostruct/Application

Votes: 0
E-mail me when people leave their comments –

You need to be a member of The International NanoScience Community - Nanopaprika.eu to add comments!

Join The International NanoScience Community - Nanopaprika.eu