The role of LIPP at the host plasma membrane of invading Chlamydia (A05#)

• Subject Area: Immunology
• Term: from 2016 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 267205415

The Chlamydia pneumoniae adhesin LIPP binds to human cells and induces phosphatidylserine transloca-tion from the inner to the outer leaflet of the cellular plasma membrane and of asymmetric synthetic membranes. LIPP adhesion to cells results in recruitment of the cytosolic adapter protein 14-3-3 to the plasma membrane. We will unravel the lipid translocase specificity of LIPP, its oligomeric status and its structure by X-ray crystallography and Cryo-EM. The role of the LIPP interaction partner 14-3-3 at the plasma membrane during chlamydial entry will be solved. Our goal is an understanding of the identity, dynamics and composition of the PM and the associated protein complexes at the side of an invading Chlamydia.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1208: Identity and Dynamics of Membrane Systems - from Molecules to Cellular Functions
• Applicant Institution: Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Johannes H. Hegemann