Master/semester project - Prediction and characterization of unknown membrane protein function

Project description:
Emerging evidence indicates that the effect space of the membrane is larger and more flexible than previously appreciated. We have recently established a genome-scale map of associations between knockout mutants and the metabolic state, which unraveled gene specific metabolic signatures (Fuhrer et al., 2017). Here, we will systematically characterize the function of unknown membrane proteins and their role in the cell's response to environmental conditions. To that end, we will use a library of genome scale knockout mutants (KEIO collection) for large-scale lipidome profiling of membrane protein function across different conditions. By acquiring quantitative lipidome profiles, of currently unknown proteins, we can systematically predict the function of these membrane proteins and their role in cellular metabolism.

The project has both experimental and computational components (approximately 50:50- can be adjusted depending on the student). The student will acquire skills in large scale bacterial cultivation, quantitative high-throughput mass spectrometry methods (unpublished work) and predictive methods applied on high dimensional data.

In short: The student will use mass spectrometry based lipidomics to characterize currently unknown membrane proteins.

Project duration: Master or Semester project. Minimum 6 months
Contact: Philipp Warmer (Sauer group),