Nanodiscs
Phospholipid nanodiscs are novel model membranes consisting of a phospholipid bilayer and a Membrane Scaffold Protein (MSP) belt wrapped around the structure. It was discovered that a styrene-maleic acid copolymer can have the same effect as the protein belt. In this project we aim to better understand why it is that this polymer is capable of stabilising the nanodisc and to develop new nanodisc systems with detailed control of the structure.
This work is part of a larger collaboration led by Prof. Tim Dafforn from the University of Birmingham. More information about this collaboration can be found here: www.smalp.net.