Structure and Membrane Interaction of G-Proteins
Head of the group
Guanine nucleotide binding proteins (G-proteins) are involved in a diverse range of cellular processes including protein synthesis, sensual perception, vesicular transport and signal transduction cascades. Whereas small G-proteins are molecular switches that regulate signal transduction pathways, large G-proteins of the dynamin superfamily are mechano-chemical enzymes that use the energy of GTP hydrolysis to actively remodel membranes. Members of both groups interact with membranes and this interaction is crucial for their function. We would like to elucidate the interaction and reciprocal modulation of membranes and G-proteins using X-ray crystallography, biochemistry and cell biological studies.