CMCB Life Sciences Seminar: Prof. Claudia Steinem, Georg-August University of Goettingen

Host: Stefan Diez

Title: “Artificial model membranes: what information do they provide to biology?”

Abstract: In this talk, I will explore the question of whether artificial model membranes can help us understand membrane-confined biological processes. I will give an overview of commonly used artificial model membrane systems and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. As an example of the use of artificial model membranes, I will present a mechanistic study of the antimicrobial macrocyclic fibupeptide lugdunin, which was discovered in 2016 in an antibiotic screen of human bacterial nasal isolates. The research presented uses established model membrane systems, but also requires new developments. I will introduce planar membranes on porous supports called pore-spanning membranes, and show how this membrane system can contribute to our understanding of membrane-active components.