Identification of proton and hydrogen bond dynamics in channelrhodopsin and related systems (B03)

• Subject Area: Biophysics
• Term: since 2013
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 221545957

We aim at revealing the gating mechanism of channelrhodopsins, such as the cation channelrhodopsin CaChR1 and the anion channelrhodopsin GtACR1, by applying time-resolved IR spectroscopic techniques developed in this CRC. Our expertise in time-resolved IR spectroscopy on protein crystals will be employed in collaborations with XFEL groups. Here, we will study the mechanism of sodium pumping in the microbial rhodopsin KR2 and of chloride pumping in NmHR by contributing changes in protonation states and hydrogen bonds to finally achieve a 4D understanding of protein function at the atomic level.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1078: Protonation Dynamics in Protein Function
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Joachim Heberle; Professor Dr. Karsten Heyne, until 12/2016