ESC10: Protein-Membrane Interactions

Dates: Monday 12th – Wednesday 14th May 2025

Location: Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry (NIC)

Full address: Department of Molecular Biology and Nanobiotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry, Hajdrihova 19, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Number of supported participants: 9

It is no longer possible to apply to participate in this course.

Description of the course:

The course focuses on studies of protein-membrane interactions by using some of the common approaches in biophysics labs. Model lipid membrane systems and approaches that allow studying how proteins interact with lipids and membranes will be presented.

During the course the participants will learn about the theoretical background and operational procedures of the approaches that are commonly used to study interactions of proteins with lipid membranes. A hands-on practice with some of the instruments will be performed. Attention will be given to protein sample preparation, preparation of model lipid membranes (nanodiscs, small, large and giant unilamellar vesicles), data gathering and data analysis.

Participants will have the possibility to study their samples with model membrane systems that will be prepared during the course. Upon applying, please indicate whether you would like to bring your own sample and some basic information about it.

Outline of the course:

The course will start on Monday the 12th and end midday Wednesday the 14th of May 2025.

Day 1

Lunch including round table introduction of participants and hosts.
Lecture 1: Introduction to model lipid membrane systems for use in protein-membrane interactions.
Lecture 2: Introduction to protein sample preparation and structural biology approaches to study interactions of proteins with membranes.
Lecture 3: Biophysical approaches for protein-membrane interactions: fluorescence spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, microscale thermophoresis, isothermal calorimetry.

Day 2

Hands on in teams of 3 participants

  • Model membrane systems: preparation of the sample and its characterization
  • Surface plasmon resonance group; setting up the system and first measurements
  • Giant unilamellar vesicles group; setting up the system and first measurements

Lunch

Lecture 4: Applications of proteins for lipid membrane research.

Hands on in teams of 3 participants

  • Model membrane systems: preparation of the sample and its characterization
  • Surface plasmon resonance group; setting up the system and first measurements
  • Giant unilamellar vesicles group; setting up the system and first measurements

Day 3

Hands on in teams of 3 participants

  • Model membrane systems: preparation of the sample and its characterization
  • Surface plasmon resonance group; setting up the system and first measurements
  • Giant unilamellar vesicles group; setting up the system and first measurements

General discussion

Lunch, questions and goodbye.

Other details:

The course is aimed at researchers with some experience in protein biophysics who wish to acquire or reinforce new scientific and technical skills related to proteins and lipid membrane model systems: graduate and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, early career scientists, technicians, and core facility staff.

The course will be open to 9 selected participants that should come from places where such training is not available locally or in close proximity. In the application form, the applicants should show that the outcome of the course will be used directly in their projects and activities. Participants will have possibility to study their samples with model membrane systems that will be prepared during the course.

Participants will receive partial financial support to attend the course, including economy travel, lunches and 2 nights of accommodation with breakfast (accommodation will be booked by the organisers). Successful applicants will be informed of the eligible expenses when they receive a formal acceptance letter.

Registration to the course is free of charge. The deadline for applications is 31st March and selected applicants will be notified by the 5th of April.

Download a pdf version of a flyer for this course via the link below:

MOSBRI-ESC10-Flyer.pdf

Application for a bursary

The course is limited to 9 participants and therefore any interested parties will need to submit an application for consideration to take part.

Who is eligible to apply:

Anyone with a workplace/host institution in one of the EU member or associated states may apply for a bursary for this course (this includes people from the UK). Applicants from industry are also welcome. It is expected that applicants have at least a basic knowledge of protein biophysics and that the topic of the course is applicable to their area of research/work. Applications from scientists in the early-stage of their career are particularly encouraged and we will strive to obtain a gender balance of the participants in the course.

How to apply:

The application consists of:

  • submission of a completed course application form which includes:
    • motivation for attendance
    • a short scientific CV
  • if you are a student or postdoc, a reference letter.

Once the application period is closed, all submissions will be reviewed and the applicants will be informed of the outcome.

When to apply:

It is no longer possible to apply for this course. The applications received are under review and applicants will be informed once a decision has been made.

Application deadline:

The deadline for submission of an application to participate in this course was: 31st March 2025