Diffusion of proteins in biological membranes: a physical-based microfluorimetric study. (R-1477)

Present project aims to contribute to the methodology for a more unambiguous determination of the complex diffusion behavior of proteins in the plasma membrane of living cells. The general objective can be formulated as follows: recognition of anomalous diffusion behavior of membrane proteins in living cells and to identify the causes of this behavior by providing different length and time scales with microfluorimetrische methods. In this project an experimental and a theoretical orientation component is present which are closely linked. The operational objectives can be succinctly summarized as follows. A. Experimental: Several microfluorimetrical techniques are used to determine the diffusion behavior of a specific membrane protein. Initially provisions will happen at the level of ensemble- and time-average. In a second phase the determination of first-passage variables will be obtained by which the used methodology is supported by a theoretical component. B. Theoretical component: Monte Carlo simulations are carried out according to different membrane models. Specific characteristics of the experimental methods are being incorporated in the simulations. This allows experimental determination to be optimized. It will also be examined to what extent the overall analysis of the determinations of ensemble- and time-average allows a better recognition of the anomalous behavior. Next will then be examined to what extent the distribution of a number of first-passage variables can give information on the nature of the microscopic origin of anomalous diffusion. The simulations will be used to examine how first-passage variables can be experimental determined in an efficient manner.

Keywords:MICROFLUORIMETRY

Disciplines:Basic sciences, Clinical sciences, Translational sciences