Regensburg 2019 – scientific programme

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BP: Fachverband Biologische Physik

BP 21: Biopolymers, biomaterials and bioinspired functional materials (joint session CPP/BP)

BP 21.1: Invited Talk

Wednesday, April 3, 2019, 15:45–16:15, H13

Many Weak Interactions Make a Difference - from Fuzzy Biomolecular Self Assembly to Superselectivity — •Ralf Richter — School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, United Kingdom

Multivalent interactions are key to molecular and cellular communication in biological systems, yet remain poorly understood. I shall present results of our efforts to better understand the role of multivalent interactions in two biological systems that involve biological polymers: (i) the nuclear pore permeability barrier, a meshwork of intrinsically disordered proteins that fills the nuclear pores and makes nucleo-cytoplasmic transport selective, and (ii) the interface between polysaccharide-rich extracellular matrix and the cell surface which is key to the communication of cells with their environment.

To study these systems on the supramolecular level, we take a multidisciplinary approach that combines surface science tools (to reconstitute well-defined model systems from the constituent molecules), biophysical characterization techniques (for quantitative analysis) and soft matter physics theory (to establish structure/property/function relationships).

The insights gained help us to uncover physical mechanisms underpinning functions, such as 'superselectivity' in the targeting of cell surfaces or the permeability of membranes, and help develop materials with new functions for applications in the life sciences.