Project title: Learning from plants: Identification of intrinsic and extrinsic factors determining higher plant ABC transporter directionality
Project ID: IZ11Z0_230926
Funding programme: Multilateral Academic Projects (MAPS)
Project partners:
- University of Fribourg (Switzerland) – Prof. Markus Geisler
- Semmelweis University (Hungary) – Prof. Tamás Hegedűs
- Research group in Poznań (Poland) – Prof. Michał Jasiński
Hungarian research institution: Semmelweis University, Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology
Organization involved in administering the Hungarian funding: HUN-REN Office for Supported Research Groups
Project Description
The controlled transport of molecules across cell membranes is essential for cellular function. ABC transporters play a key role in this process and are found in a wide range of organisms, from plants to humans. These proteins are involved in transporting nutrients, hormones and other biologically active compounds. Although many aspects of their function are well understood, an important question remains unanswered: what determines the direction in which molecules are transported?
The international MAPS research project aims to address this question by investigating primarily plant and human ABCG transporters. The researchers seek to identify the structural and intracellular factors that influence the direction in which these transport proteins move molecules across cell membranes.
The project brings together the complementary expertise of research groups from three countries. The collaboration between the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, Semmelweis University in Hungary and the research group in Poznań, Poland, combines approaches from plant biology, biochemistry, structural biology and computational research.
At the Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology of Semmelweis University, the research group led by Prof. Tamás Hegedűs primarily contributes to understanding the relationship between the structure and function of transport proteins. Using computational modeling and bioinformatics methods, the researchers investigate the structural characteristics and dynamics of these proteins, as well as the molecular mechanisms that may determine the direction of transport.
A distinctive feature of the research program is its integration of expertise from different scientific disciplines to address shared research questions. Computational analyses and experimental findings from the collaborating partners complement one another, helping to develop a more detailed understanding of how ABC transporters function.
In the longer term, the research findings may contribute to a better understanding of plant development, adaptation and interactions with the environment. Furthermore, new insights into the fundamental mechanisms of ABC transporter function may also prove valuable for studying other biological systems.
Beyond its scientific objectives, the project supports international research collaboration and the professional development of early-career researchers. The partners work towards their shared goals through regular scientific meetings, joint research activities and knowledge exchange.
