SubsidieMeestersImaging Ultrafast Single Particle Macromolecular Dynamics with X-ray Lasers
This project aims to develop ultrafast single-protein imaging using XFEL technology to enhance understanding of macromolecular dynamics and structural changes in biological processes.
Projectdetails
Introduction
Conformational dynamics are crucial for the functioning of most macromolecules, and a deeper understanding of these motions holds great promise for future discoveries in biology. However, it is difficult to probe the structure of macromolecules away from their most stable conformations, and time-resolved studies remain limited by the available techniques.
Advances in XFEL Technology
Today, a new generation of XFELs is growing. The extremely short pulse duration, high pulse intensity, and repetition rate of these lasers offer new research opportunities in physics, chemistry, and biology.
Since the first XFELs were proposed, the idea of obtaining images of individual proteins frozen in time has fascinated and inspired many, and we have been at the forefront of this quest. The combination of advances in XFEL technology with ESI has brought the dream of imaging hydrated single proteins by X-ray diffraction within reach.
Current Limitations
Currently, time-resolved studies in solution in the sub-ms range are conducted through solution X-ray scattering or spectroscopic methods, but they can only provide limited structural information. XFELs provide a way to dramatically improve our understanding of these time-scales.
Proposal Overview
This proposal aims to develop the science and technology to make ultrafast single-protein imaging a reality through a three-step approach:
- Develop diagnostics suitable for nanosized samples.
- Enable single protein X-ray diffraction imaging through new sample delivery instrumentation.
- Perform time-resolved single protein imaging experiments using the unexplored tender X-ray energy range.
Future Implications
Ultrafast imaging of macromolecules will reveal new horizons. As a single-molecule method with high time-resolution, it enables imaging the structural changes associated with fundamental processes such as:
- Enzyme catalysis
- Allosteric signal transduction
- Protein folding
It also opens a way to record molecular movies and map the conformational landscape of isolated macromolecules for the first time.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 2.000.000 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 2.000.000 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-1-2024 |
| Einddatum | 31-12-2028 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2024 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- UPPSALA UNIVERSITETpenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
| Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
MANUNKIND: Determinants and Dynamics of Collaborative ExploitationThis project aims to develop a game theoretic framework to analyze the psychological and strategic dynamics of collaborative exploitation, informing policies to combat modern slavery. | ERC STG | € 1.497.749 | 2022 | Details |
Elucidating the phenotypic convergence of proliferation reduction under growth-induced pressureThe UnderPressure project aims to investigate how mechanical constraints from 3D crowding affect cell proliferation and signaling in various organisms, with potential applications in reducing cancer chemoresistance. | ERC STG | € 1.498.280 | 2022 | Details |
Uncovering the mechanisms of action of an antiviral bacteriumThis project aims to uncover the mechanisms behind Wolbachia's antiviral protection in insects and develop tools for studying symbiont gene function. | ERC STG | € 1.500.000 | 2023 | Details |
The Ethics of Loneliness and SociabilityThis project aims to develop a normative theory of loneliness by analyzing ethical responsibilities of individuals and societies to prevent and alleviate loneliness, establishing a new philosophical sub-field. | ERC STG | € 1.025.860 | 2023 | Details |
MANUNKIND: Determinants and Dynamics of Collaborative Exploitation
This project aims to develop a game theoretic framework to analyze the psychological and strategic dynamics of collaborative exploitation, informing policies to combat modern slavery.
Elucidating the phenotypic convergence of proliferation reduction under growth-induced pressure
The UnderPressure project aims to investigate how mechanical constraints from 3D crowding affect cell proliferation and signaling in various organisms, with potential applications in reducing cancer chemoresistance.
Uncovering the mechanisms of action of an antiviral bacterium
This project aims to uncover the mechanisms behind Wolbachia's antiviral protection in insects and develop tools for studying symbiont gene function.
The Ethics of Loneliness and Sociability
This project aims to develop a normative theory of loneliness by analyzing ethical responsibilities of individuals and societies to prevent and alleviate loneliness, establishing a new philosophical sub-field.
Vergelijkbare projecten uit andere regelingen
| Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Breaking resolution limits in ultrafast X-ray diffractive imagingThis project aims to enhance spatial resolution in femtosecond X-ray imaging of nanoscale processes by utilizing intense short FEL pulses and advanced reconstruction algorithms for improved photochemistry insights. | ERC STG | € 1.500.000 | 2022 | Details |
Single-Molecule Acousto-Photonic NanofluidicsSIMPHONICS aims to develop a high-throughput, non-invasive platform for protein fingerprinting by integrating nanopore technology with acoustic manipulation and fluorescence detection. | ERC STG | € 1.499.395 | 2022 | Details |
Solution attosecond chemistryThis project aims to investigate and manipulate core-excited states in solvated biomolecules using attosecond spectroscopy to enhance understanding of solute-solvent interactions and molecular mechanisms in radiotherapy. | ERC STG | € 2.325.590 | 2023 | Details |
Ultrafast Picoscopy of SolidsThe project aims to develop ultrafast picoscopy for real-time visualization of electron dynamics and atomic structures in materials at picometer and attosecond scales, benefiting multiple scientific fields. | ERC ADG | € 2.499.000 | 2023 | Details |
Breaking resolution limits in ultrafast X-ray diffractive imaging
This project aims to enhance spatial resolution in femtosecond X-ray imaging of nanoscale processes by utilizing intense short FEL pulses and advanced reconstruction algorithms for improved photochemistry insights.
Single-Molecule Acousto-Photonic Nanofluidics
SIMPHONICS aims to develop a high-throughput, non-invasive platform for protein fingerprinting by integrating nanopore technology with acoustic manipulation and fluorescence detection.
Solution attosecond chemistry
This project aims to investigate and manipulate core-excited states in solvated biomolecules using attosecond spectroscopy to enhance understanding of solute-solvent interactions and molecular mechanisms in radiotherapy.
Ultrafast Picoscopy of Solids
The project aims to develop ultrafast picoscopy for real-time visualization of electron dynamics and atomic structures in materials at picometer and attosecond scales, benefiting multiple scientific fields.