Projects / Programmes
Molekularni motorji (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.02.07 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
Biophysics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.03 |
Natural Sciences |
Physical sciences |
Researchers (5)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
12616 |
PhD Darinka Kek Merl |
Materials science and technology |
Researcher |
2010 |
129 |
| 2. |
03321 |
Ivan Kvasić |
Physics |
Technical associate |
2011 - 2012 |
22 |
| 3. |
25669 |
PhD Natan Osterman |
Physics |
Researcher |
2009 - 2012 |
173 |
| 4. |
22137 |
Bernarda Urankar |
Educational studies |
Researcher |
2010 - 2012 |
26 |
| 5. |
21609 |
PhD Andrej Vilfan |
Physics |
Head |
2009 - 2012 |
246 |
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0106 |
Jožef Stefan Institute |
Ljubljana |
5051606000 |
90,706 |
Significance for science
Motor proteins and biological cilia represent basic research. The fabrication of biomimetic cilia also has potential for application.
With the study on twirling motion of actin filaments, driven by myosin, we found an explanation for experimental results that appeared contradictory beforehand, as they reported left-, as well as right-handed rotation. Our model shows that both directions are possible and that the chirality can depend on the ATP concentration. Such rotational motion is also a possible candidate for the origin of chirality in embryonic development (in insects). By setting up the model for rotational motion of microtubules driven by kinesin-14 we showed for the first time that collective measurements on a large ensemble of motors can reveal the properties of an individual motor in unprecedented detail.
Because dynein is much more complex than the majority of previously investigated motor proteins, developing a chemo-mechanical model is crucial for its understanding. With the latter we could explain the essential properties of dynein's stepping and therefore the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical work. The results are also interesting in a wider context of energy transduction and allosteric communication in proteins, and they are relevant for the design of artificial (synthetic) molecular motors.
In the scope of studying cilia and flagella we introduced a novel criterion for the efficiency of fluid pumping and solved an optimization problem that is far more complex than any previously known optimal solutions in low Reynolds number hydrodynamics. Besides solving a fundamental hydrodynamic problem, the results are also interesting from the biological perspective, because the optimal solutions show a high level of similarity with the actual ciliary beating patterns. The overall swimming efficiency in ciliates is also remarkably close (about 50%) of the theoretical optimum, which refutes the frequently expressed opinion that energetic efficiency of swimming played no significant role in evolution.
Despite several previous attempts to build artificial cilia we were the first to actually demonstrate and measure directed fluid pumping. Artificial cilia have the potential of application as microfluidic pumps and mixers. Besides that they can be useful in microrheology, for example for studying the viscoelastic properties of mucous under similar conditions as they are found in airways.
Significance for the country
he research carried out in this project helps to bridge the gap between basic, curiosity driven research and applied physics, especially microfluidics. The project additionally strengthens the position of the J. Stefan institute and the Faculty of Mathematics and Physics in both fields. Visible publications and invited conference talks also contribute to the general reputation of Slovene science. The results are an excellent promotion for the products of a spin-off company and an SME that participated in the fabrication of artificial cilia. Because their products are mainly targeted at research use, prestigious publications and conference talks (along with exhibits) are the best advertising channel for them. Part of the project was co-funded by the prestigious and highly competitive HFSP grant (with acceptance rates around 3%) and successful completion will strengthen our possibilities to compete for further European or international grants. Finally, this project is tightly linked to the teaching process at undergraduate and graduate level, as well as supervision of PhD students.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
