Projet RAMP (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Doctoral Networks
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Membrane proteins form more than 85% of drug targets, but just 600 unique membrane protein crystal structures have been determined. A better understanding of how to crystallize membrane proteins reliably is therefore urgently required. The Innovative Training Network “RAtionalising Membrane Protein crystallisation” – RAMP will bring together cutting-edge physical chemistry methods for crystallisation condition control and phase diagram exploration, and the development of new lipids and screens in conjunction with industry with the most challenging biological problems. The network includes expert academic and industrial research groups in crystallisation theory, methods development, membrane protein crystallography, drug development and novel structural techniques like time-resolved and neutron crystallography. We will develop new, rational methods for crystallising membrane proteins, focusing particularly on transporters that are also interesting drug targets. The new robust crystallisation methods will also allow us to use emerging European research infrastructures like XFEL or ESS to gain insight into membrane protein function because the techniques will provide the necessary precise control of crystal size. A structured training programme organized by academia and industry together will equip the early stage researchers with the skills needed for a successful research career in the field of structural biology. Frequent secondments, research visits and meetings between early-career scientists ensure an efficient exchange of ideas and practical experiences between different groups leading to better integration of European research and innovations in structural biology. Supervision and mentoring by several senior scientists will give the researchers a strong scientific education and make them highly competitive in the work place of tomorrow. The work programme here will improve European competitiveness and advance graduate training.

Mots clés : membrane protein crystallography, membrane protein crystallisation

Participants :
- Universität Hamburg (Allemagne) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 249216.48 €
- European Spallation Source (Suède) — Partner, beneficiary, Organismes publics (hors enseignement & recherche), subvention : 263659.32 €
- University of Surrey (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 273287.88 €
- University of Leeds (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 546575.76 €
- Trinity College Dublin (Irlande) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 88853.39 €
- Université Grenoble Alpes (France) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 525751.2 €
- Aarhus University (Danemark) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 580163.76 €
- National University of Ireland (Irlande) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 356225.36 €
- Imperial College London (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 273287.88 €
- University of Bristol (Royaume-Uni) — Partner, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 83504.63 €