Membrane binding mechanism of the peripheral membrane protein pyruvate oxidase from Escherichia coli

Central goal of the project is to delineate general principles underpinning reversible and controlled membrane binding of peripheral membrane enzymes via amphipathic helices. As a well-suited model system, membrane recruitment and binding of the peripheral membrane flavoenzyme pyruvate oxidase shall examined encompassing both atomic resolution structural analysis of the membrane anchor and a rigorous characterization of kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of membrane binding by optical spectroscopy, transient kinetics and microcalorimetry.