Modelling of Membrane Proteins
Using the novel combination of both super resolution imaging (SRI) and hybrid mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, the structure, dynamics and transient interactions of membrane proteins can be elucidated. We aim to develop computational tools to integrate structural information from both SRI and MS-based sources into a computational workflow and produce models of membrane protein complexes which can describe the elusive conformational dynamics of these species. These data will provide the link between structural information yielded from MS, with the functional states of the complex found in vivo. So far, we base our work on a well characterized membrane protein dimer, UapA, a purine/H+ symporter, to provide proof of concept for this novel methodology. This approach has high potential in the analysis of highly dynamic, heterologous, and broadly uncharacterized membrane protein complexes, such as G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Our approach may help clarify the often complex behavior observed in the activation and function of such complexes.