Membrane Research Continues

German Research Foundation Extends Funding for Collaborative Research Center 958 "Scaffolding of Membranes - Molecular Mechanisms and Cellular Functions". The Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 958 "Scaffolding of Membranes - Molecular Mechanisms and Cellular Functions" at Freie Universität has been granted funding by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for an additional four years. Since 2011 researchers involved in this CRC have been investigating the spatiotemporally controlled assembly of protein scaffolds at membranes as it plays crucial roles in various processes in cells. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, the researchers investigate how protein assemblies form membrane-based scaffolds. They aim to find out how these assemblies control the functions of the cell, for example, during cell fusion, synaptic signal transmission, and differentiations. The participating scientists explore general principles of the organization and dynamics of membrane-associated protein scaffolds and over the long term aim to develop tools to influence the function. The spokesperson for the CRC is Stephan Sigrist from the Institute of Biology, Freie Universität.