GRK 2223/1:
Protein Complex Assembly
(PROCOMPAS)
Protein complex dynamics orchestrate biochemical processes at all stages of life. They are essential to control cellular metabolism, transport, regulation, structure and mobility. Therefore, they are strictly regulated and require factors that ascertain the temporal and spatial ordering of assemblies. Within the Research Program we will study central principles of protein complex assembly systematically using two representative model systems:
The eukaryotic molybdenum cofactor (Moco) biosynthesis complex consisting of 11 proteins,
and
the electron transporting respirasome consisting of several dozen proteins and a smaller electron transfer model complex.
Both types of complexes are of essential importance for the organism and malfunction leads to death. The elucidation of these processes will advance our understanding of e.g. protein-protein interaction, ligand recognition, product-substrate channeling, posttranslational modifications, up to the formation of supramolecular complexes and their spatial positioning within the cell. In contrast to the importance of these mechanisms, our knowledge on the manifold facets of protein complex assembly is still limited.