The Role of Small Single Transmembrane Helix Proteins in Cyanobacteria

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Marc Nowaczyk
• Subject Area: Metabolism, Biochemistry and Genetics of Microorganisms ; Biochemistry ; Plant Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Term: since 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 379644404

Membrane protein complexes play a crucial role in bioenergetics, particularly in photosynthetic organisms like plants, algae and cyanobacteria, as they are responsible for the light-to-chemical energy conversion in the primary reactions of photosynthesis. All of them – as far as being analyzed – contain up to 10 small (<50 AA) proteins with at least one single transmembrane helix (sTMH proteins). However, the discovery and further characterization of sTMH proteins is severely hampered by their small size and often extreme hydrophobicity. We will use two different approaches to shed light on the role of sTMH proteins in cyanobacteria. In a top-down approach we will use our well-established pipeline for the purification of affinity-tagged membrane protein complexes and subsequent in-depth mass spectrometry analysis. For a bottom-up approach, we have identified potential sTMH candidates through an in silico screening, which will be further analyzed by biochemical and biophysical methods. Final goal will be to gain comprehensive knowledge about the molecular function of sTMH proteins in cyanobacteria.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 2002: Small Proteins in Prokaryotes, an Unexplored World