Protein sensitivity of membrane curvature

The control of biological membrane shape and composition is vital to eukaryotic life. The shape is so specific that it allows us to recognize various organelles in the cell. Despite a continuous exchange of material, organelles maintain a precise combination and organization of membrane lipids, which is crucial for their function and the recruitment of many peripheral proteins. Membrane shape thus enables the cell to organize proteins and their functions in space and time, without which serious diseases can occur. Moreover, membrane curvature and lipid content can be specific to cancer cells, bacteria, and enveloped virus coatings, which could be utilized for selective targeting. The aim of this project is to unravel the relationship between the protein sequence and the preferred membrane. This will lay the foundations for the design of new protein motifs sensitive to membranes with a specific curvature and composition on enveloped viruses, organelles and cells. Student will master tools of computer simulations, in particular molecular dynamics technique, and methods to calculate free energies. Moreover, he/she will learn advantages and disadvantages of various protein and membrane parameterizations including all-atom and coarse-grained models.

Keywords: membrane curvature, protein sequencing, protein motifs design, membrane parameterizations

HOW TO APPLY:
The application should include a CV plus a list of all University course grades to date. Contact details for two academic or professional referees and a personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining (i) your academic excellence, (ii) suitability for the project, (iii) what you hope to achieve from the PhD and (iv) your research experience to-date.
Register for this call using the registration form at http://ls-phd.ceitec.cz/http-ls-phd-ceitec-cz/ and submit required documents to receive support with the preparation of the application and all formalities. Your application package will be forwarded to the supervisor for preliminary revision.
Applicants who wish to pursue a degree at the CEITEC PhD program must hold the equivalent of a Master’s degree (MSc) in a similar field (four- or five-year undergraduate degree). The application can be submitted before obtaining the Master’s degree; however, the applicant should obtain a degree within five months after the application deadline.