Microbial protein-lipid interactions: Role in host pathogenesis and biotechnological applications

Protein-lipid interactions play an important role in host-pathogen interactions.

Several bacterial and viral proteins may interact with the host cell membrane and activate intracellular signaling cascades important for the regulation of cell death and immune responses.

Bacterial pore-forming toxins (PFTs) are the most common cytotoxic proteins secreted by a large number of pathogenic bacteria.

The α-PFTs have the ability to oligomerize on the host cell membrane and form well-organized pores or tubular assemblies.

In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may interact with the lipid membranes, causing bilayer perturbation via an unknown mechanism.

The main goal of the proposed project is to gain a better understanding of molecular mechanisms through which microbial proteins affect lipid membranes.Specifically, we aim to investigateBacterial ESCRT-like proteins and lipid interactionsThe mechanisms involved in tubulation of lipid membranes by α-PFTs.Biotechnological applications of bacterial α-PFTs.SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and lipid interaction.This project addresses the unresolved question of “understanding the molecular basis of α-PFTs induced tubulation of lipid membranes”.

By integrating molecular biology and biophysics approaches, we aim to identify the mechanism of α-PFTs dependent lipid membrane tubulation.

In addition, we aim to use α-PFTs as a tool to i) understand the cellular processes and ii) develop novel cancer therapeutics.