RESEARCH: MEMBRANE TRANSPORT
FOLDING PROJECT #17917 PROFILE

The project relates to studying how adding a phosphate group (phosphorylation) to the end of a sugar transporter protein affects how it clumps together with other proteins. Understanding this could help us learn how cells change how they move sugars around in different situations.

Measuring the Effects of Post-translational Modification on Membrane Transporter Function and Oligomerization: Membrane transporters possess terminal tails which can variably regulate their substrate recognition, gating dynamics, and oligomerization (see https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rsob.190083 for a review).

To reflect physiological conditions and satisfy the instantaneous demands of cells, these termini are known to be post-translationally modified (PTM).

PTMs, like phosphorylation, have been shown to regulate transporter function through allostery or direct local interactions, thus blocking transmembrane substrate import and/or export. Simulations in this project will be focused on studying how C-terminal phosphorylation affects oligomerization dynamics of a sugar transporter.

While a basic protein folding problem, understanding how PTMs affect transporter oligomerization, and oligomer dynamics, is critical for understanding biological regulations for basal transport activity.

This study's ability to observe how terminal PTMs may influence sugar transport dynamics has implications for studying cells in altered metabolic states.

Post-translational Modification

Chemical alteration of a protein after its synthesis.

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) are changes made to proteins after they are created. These modifications can affect how the protein works, where it goes in the cell, and how long it lasts. PTMs are important for many cellular processes, including signaling, metabolism, and development.

Membrane Transporter

A protein that moves molecules across cell membranes.

Membrane transporters are proteins embedded in cell membranes. They act like gateways, moving specific molecules into and out of the cell. This process is essential for various cellular functions, including nutrient uptake, waste removal, and signal transduction.

Oligomerization

The process of proteins assembling into larger complexes.

Oligomerization is when multiple protein molecules come together to form a larger structure called an oligomer. These complexes can have different functions compared to individual proteins, such as enhanced stability, increased catalytic activity, or altered cellular localization.

Phosphorylation

The addition of a phosphate group to a molecule.

Phosphorylation is a common type of post-translational modification where a phosphate group is added to a protein. This process can activate or deactivate proteins, alter their interactions with other molecules, and regulate various cellular processes, including metabolism, signaling, and cell growth.

Allostery

The regulation of an enzyme's activity by binding to a site other than the active site.

Allostery is a mechanism where a molecule binds to a protein at a site different from its active site, causing a change in the protein's shape and function. This can either activate or inhibit the protein's activity, allowing for fine-tuned regulation of cellular processes.