E-MeP:
the European Membrane Protein Consortium
E-MeP will focus on:
- Membrane protein production and purification, particularly of eukaryotic membrane proteins
- Crystallisation, X-ray crystallography and structure determination
- Technology development, with a focus on high-throughput methods
Scientific objectives |
To select 300 membrane protein targets (100 prokaryotic, 200 eukaryotic)
To produce these proteins in up to six different host systems with the objective of obtaining milligramme quantities
To refold or solubilise at least 100 membrane proteins
To deliver up to 50 purified proteins suitable for crystallisation trials
To generate up to 20 new 3D structures of membrane proteins
To develop an integrated database cataloguing E-MeP's results, protocols and other pertinent data.
Technological objectives
- To devise a sparse matrix of optimised screening and expression systems
- To standardise E-MeP's refolding technologies
- To standardise E-MeP's solubilisation technologies
- To devise a panel of purification techniques
- To devise a sparse matrix of membrane protein crystallisation conditions
- To implement high throughput formats wherever feasible to generate a membrane protein structural genomics platform.
Training and dissemination objectives
01
To build a sustainable European membrane protein structural genomics research area.
02
To address the current shortage of appropriately-trained young scientists, with skills in membrane protein structural biology, by providing a comprehensive personal training package.
03
To disseminate appropriately-protected intellectual property and expertise.
Mission:
- To advance the understanding of membrane protein structure, function, and dynamics.
- To develop and share innovative techniques for studying membrane proteins, including crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, and biophysical assays.
Research Focus:
- Structure-function relationships of membrane proteins.
- Mechanisms of action for transporters, channels, and receptors.
- Membrane protein interactions within lipid bilayers.
- Drug development targeting membrane proteins.
Collaboration:
The consortium connects leading research groups across Europe, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between biochemists, structural biologists, biophysicists, and computational scientists.
Worflow
Technological Development Training and Outreach Funding
The consortium works on refining methodologies to overcome challenges associated with membrane protein research, such as their hydrophobic nature and the difficulty of obtaining high-resolution structures.
- The EMPC promotes training opportunities for early-career scientists through workshops, conferences, and research exchanges.
- It often engages in disseminating knowledge to the broader scientific community to advance membrane protein research globally.
The consortium is often supported by European research funding bodies, such as the European Union’s Horizon programs, which aim to foster cutting-edge scientific discoveries and innovation.