Prof. Petra Schwille "Design features of biochemical pattern formation"

Abstract

The MinCDE protein machinery, wich orchestrates the positioning of the division ring in E.coli bacteria, shows a distinct oscillation of protein concentrations between the two cell poles, which are based on self-organization through reaction-diffusion. We have been able to reconstitute these self-organized oscillations of purified proteins in various biomimetic compartments, as well as some downstream effects, such as the faithful positioning of protofilaments of the Z division ring. This could be the first step towards autonomous division of an artificial cell system which we aim to establish in a bottom-up synthetic biology approach. We have further engineered the proteins with the aim of deciphering the minimal pattern-forming motifs. In my talk, I will discuss the design features of this very simple and archetypical kind of a biological oscillator and particularly highlight the role of the membrane, acting as a heterogenous catalyst and providing spatial cues in two and three dimensions.

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Organizer  Giulio RAGAZZON