Structural mass spectrometry & XFEL method development

topics & possible projects

• ion trajectory simulations (MS SPIDOC)
• development of Python-based control software
• assembly and benchmarking of an in-vacuum TOF analyzer
• scattering and trajectory simulations (Python)
• method development for gas-phase SAXS at XFELs
• instrument development, ion transport and vacuum systems
• sample preparation and characterization of biomolecular complexes

possible methods

• native mass spectrometry (ionization, mass selection, ion optics)
• ion trapping and ion-delivery systems (MS SPIDOC)
• SAXS at XFELs
• simulations (SIMION, SIMAX, Python)
• X-ray diffraction and spectroscopy

contact

Thomas Kierspel

Proteoform analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein

topics & possible projects

• mutagenesis and protein biochemistry
• analysis of wild-type and mutant proteins
• characterization of proteoforms using native mass spectrometry

possible methods

• native mass spectrometry
• top-down proteomics
• protein biochemistry
• immunoprecipitation workflows

contact

Kira Schamoni-Kast

Coronavirus RTC – structure & polyprotein Processing

topics & possible projects

• structural and functional analysis of different coronavirus species
• assembly and characterization of RTC subcomplexes
• comparative analyses of polyprotein-dependent complex formation

possible methods

• native mass spectrometry
• protein biochemistry

contact

Fatema-Aqila Said

Structure & biophysics of human Norovirus capsids

topics & possible projects

• co-assembly of wild-type and mutant proteins
• influence of viral helicases on capsid formation
• mechanical properties of different capsid variants
• glycan-dependent changes

possible methods

• charge-detection mass spectrometry (CDMS)
• atomic force microscopy (AFM; incl. nanoindentation)
• single-particle cryo-electron microscopy
• native mass spectrometry

contact

Jennifer Rothe

Protein–protein interactions in Lassa virus infection

topics & possible projects

• expression of human interaction partners
• mapping of virus–host interactions
• structural analysis using combined mass spectrometry methods

possible methods

• native mass spectrometry
• HDX-mass spectrometry
• protein biochemistry
• computational/structural modelling

contact

Wiebke Schultze

Interactome of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein

topics & possible projects

• analysis of interactome candidates for phase separation with the N protein using the Corelet™ platform

possible methods

• cloning
• cell culture & transfection
• light microscopy
• bottom-up proteomics (limited)
• native mass spectrometry (limited)

contact

Jonas Schröder