Project Details
Projekt
Structure of the peroxisomal Protein Import Pore: High-Resolution Electron Microscopy
Subject Area
Biochemistry
Term
from 2013 to 2020
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 219314758
The peroxisomal protein translocation apparatus facilitates the translocation of folded, co-factor bound and even oligomeric proteins across the peroxisomal membrane. These unique properties are realized by highly dynamic and transiently assembled translocation pores. The peroxisomal translocons consist of membrane-embedded proteins of the peroxisomal import machinery associated with cargo-loaded co-receptors. The focus of Project 2 is on the elucidation of the 3D-structure of the peroxisomal translocation pores, facilitating the PTS1- and PTS2-dependent protein import into the organellar matrix. We will express and purify fungal and human peroxisomal translocons and determine three-dimensional cryo-EM structures of the purified complexes to interpret their function in peroxisomal translocation.A second major aim of this proposal will be to study the translocation pores in their natural environment, the peroxisome. To this end, we will overexpress the complexes in yeast, purify - peroxi-microsomes - and solve the structure of the import pores by cryo-ET and sub-tomogram averaging. Our study will provide a detailed look at how the peroxisomal import machinery assembles in the membrane and perform its function in the peroxisomes.
DFG Programme
Research Units
