This course on advanced topics in molecular biology and biochemistry covers the structure and function of large cellular protein assemblies. The lecturers will cover topics including membrane proteins, protein glycosylation, horizonal gene transfer, microbial cytomotive filaments, and microbial contractile injection systems.

This course provides an in-depth discussion of two main methods to determine the 3D structures of macromolecules and complexes at high resolution: X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Both techniques result in electron density maps that are interpreted by atomic models.

Students will carry out defined research projects related to the current research topics of the Hospenthal group. The topics will include protein expression of pilins and/or other competence proteins from Gram-negative bacteria, protein purification using affinity chromatography, crystallisation experiments and analysis of assembled pili by electron microscopy.