Chemical Biology of Plant Compound Receptor Targets: profiling interactions of plant compounds with receptor proteins
This research programme focuses on bionanotechnology and microfluidics, studying the biological interactions of compounds with insect or mammalian receptors without the need to label the interacting ligand. We use two families of receptor proteins: antibodies (VHH domains of heavy chain llama antibodies) and G-protein coupled receptors (mainly from the nose, tongue and gut). These receptors are studied using two methods of analysis: ligand-induced changes in capacitance or electric field by nano-electronics and changes in calcium ion concentration by in vivo FRET measurements.
The nano-electronic platforms are studied using surface-modified nanowires or nano-electrodes. The fluorescent platforms are based on FRET measurements using in vivo activation sensors such as Cameleon. An important element of our research is the patterned attachment of biomolecules and vesicles on surfaces by self-organization.
Attachment is either reversible or covalent. For self-organization we use the technique of DNA-directed immobilization. All this work is done utilizing dedicated microfluidics set ups designed in close collaboration with the industry and preferably enabling dual fluorescent and electronic read outs.
The final aim of the programme is Interactomics: “Making sense of plant compounds” by creating technology that is capable of profiling the interactions of the metabolome and proteome of plants to the receptor repertoires of humans or animals. Systems biology approaches are necessary to integrate these profiles into an understanding of human cognition of the chemical world.