FP6 priority

1.1.1   Genomics and Biotechnology for Health

1.1.1.1

Title of the proposal

Biomembranes as an integrating element in cell physiology and pathology

Institute

Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics
Moyzesova 61, 900 24 Ivanka pri Dunaji, Slovak Republic

Contact

Research subject for a potential FP6 project

Biological membranes are heterogenous assemblies of lids and proteins whose biogenesis and functions are controlled by a network of interacting genes. Membrane functions linked to intracellular transport, information processing and to energy transformation are profoundly involved in normal functioning of cells. Current state of knowledge about membrane structure and functions substantiates an integrative approach to diverse aspects of normal and pathological cellular processes from the perspective of membranes. Research project should cover structure – function analysis of biomembranes in organisms of various evolutionary complexity with relevance to human or animal health. The emphasis should be given on following aspects of membrane research: 1. Membrane structure and functions as adaptive factors in the evolution of living systems; 2. Role of membranes in the regulation of cell homeostasis with respect to the etiology of selected diseases; 3. Principles of membrane participation in energy transformation and information processing; 4. The study of artificial membranes and their biotechnological application.Conceptual and methodological design of the project should highlight the interdisciplinary approach to the study of membrane functions combining the functional genomics, integrative metabolic studies and biophysical analysis of membranes with cellular physiology and pathophysiology. The contribution of our institute could involve the evolutionary aspects of cell bioenergetics with the emphasis on mechanisms of energy transformation in ancient organisms (Archaea), regulation of membrane biogenesis and its impact on the physiology of normal and diseased cells, and application of the principles of membrane organisation in the construction of biosensors.

Recent international cooperation of the research team

State University Kazan, Russia; State University, Budapest, Hungary; State University,
Cambridge, England, Technical University Graz, Austria, Inst.fur Mikrobiologie G.A.Universitat
Gottingen, FRG, University of Bath, UK

Proposer´s relevant publications related to the research subject

Hapala, I. (1997). Breaking the barrier: Methods for reversible permeabilization of cellular membranes. Crit. Rev. Biotechnol. 17, 105-122.
Sreenivas A., Patton-Vogt J. L., Bruno V., Griac P., Henry S. A (1998). A role for phospholipase D (Pld1p) in growth, secretion, and regulation of membrane lipid synthesis in yeast. J. Biol. Chem., 273, 1998, 16635-16638.
Smigan,P., Polak,P., Majernik,A., Greksak, M.: Isolation and chracterization of a neomycin-resistant mutant of Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum with a lesion in Na+-translocating ATPase (synthase). FEBS Lett. 420, (1997) 93-96.
Hianik T.,Snejdarkova M.,Sokolikova L., Meszar E., Krivanek R.,Tvarozek V.,Novotny I.,Wang J.: Immunosensor based on supported lipid membranes, protein films and liposomes modified by antibodies. Sensor and Actuators 1999, 57, 201 –212.