2553152
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
Quantitative structural and functional studies of membrane transporter evolution.
This research will investigate membrane protein evolution with the long-term goal of designing artificial cells with tailored functions.
The specific objective of this project is to determine how mutations in membrane protein transporters impact dynamics, conformational equilibria, and the direction of transport, which will provide insight into the biogenesis of membrane proteins.
This research will involve and train students and postdoctoral associates in biochemistry and biophysical chemistry.
Professional training opportunities will be afforded to strengthen communication skills and to prepare trainees for future career paths.
The project will also involve the development of a class for graduate students with the goal of teaching students advanced techniques in biochemistry and biophysical chemistry.
The broader goal of this endeavor is to strike to a more equitable balance between lecture-based curricula and hands-on learning in graduate education.
Many membrane protein transporters are comprised of a single polypeptide chain that contains inverted repeats within its structure.
This research will investigate the underpinnings of membrane protein evolution by using mutations to derive a quantitative relationship between function and the free energy distinguishing conformational states required for function.
The functional experiments will utilize a flow cytometry-based method capable of analyzing a library of mutations in a high throughput manner.
To correlate the free energy with function, a quantitative method involving 19F NMR spectroscopy will be developed.
Finally, theories about the evolution of ion-coupled transport mechanisms will be tested by using directed evolution experiments and bioinformatics.
This project is supported by the Molecular Biophysics Cluster in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Sciences.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
This research will investigate membrane protein evolution with the long-term goal of designing artificial cells with tailored functions.
The specific objective of this project is to determine how mutations in membrane protein transporters impact dynamics, conformational equilibria, and the direction of transport, which will provide insight into the biogenesis of membrane proteins.
This research will involve and train students and postdoctoral associates in biochemistry and biophysical chemistry.
Professional training opportunities will be afforded to strengthen communication skills and to prepare trainees for future career paths.
The project will also involve the development of a class for graduate students with the goal of teaching students advanced techniques in biochemistry and biophysical chemistry.
The broader goal of this endeavor is to strike to a more equitable balance between lecture-based curricula and hands-on learning in graduate education.
Many membrane protein transporters are comprised of a single polypeptide chain that contains inverted repeats within its structure.
This research will investigate the underpinnings of membrane protein evolution by using mutations to derive a quantitative relationship between function and the free energy distinguishing conformational states required for function.
The functional experiments will utilize a flow cytometry-based method capable of analyzing a library of mutations in a high throughput manner.
To correlate the free energy with function, a quantitative method involving 19F NMR spectroscopy will be developed.
Finally, theories about the evolution of ion-coupled transport mechanisms will be tested by using directed evolution experiments and bioinformatics.
This project is supported by the Molecular Biophysics Cluster in the Division of Molecular and Cellular Sciences.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Subawards are not planned for this award.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "DIVISION OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOSCIENCES CORE PROGRAMS", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF24539
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Rochester,
Minnesota
55905-0001
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Related Opportunity
Mayo Clinic was awarded
Project Grant 2553152
worth $660,021
from the Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences in August 2025 with work to be completed primarily in Rochester Minnesota United States.
The grant
has a duration of 2 years 5 months and
was awarded through assistance program 47.074 Biological Sciences.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences Core Programs.
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 11/17/25
Period of Performance
8/1/25
Start Date
1/31/28
End Date
Funding Split
$660.0K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$660.0K
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
2553152
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
For-Profit Organization (Other Than Small Business)
Awarding Office
490807 DIVISION OF MOLECULAR AND
Funding Office
490807 DIVISION OF MOLECULAR AND
Awardee UEI
Y2K4F9RPRRG7
Awardee CAGE
5A021
Performance District
MN-01
Senators
Amy Klobuchar
Tina Smith
Tina Smith
Modified: 11/17/25