The membranes as sites of interaction between the intracellular and apoplastic environments: studies of the bioenergetics and signaling using biophysical and biochemical techniques.

Biological membranes contain proteins, including ion channels, receptors, as well as coupled redox systems. Together they make a system for communication with the environment and fine adjustment of cellular homeostasis. Mechanisms of interaction of external factors with membrane embedded systems in eukaryotic cells, their energetics and coupling with metabolic pathways, ion transport and signal transduction pathways are the aim. Apoplast adjoining the plasma membrane and its role in cellular communication in eukaryotic systems will be studied; also the role and sites of synthesis of radicals, their coupling with membrane associated processes and initiation of signal transduction. Different spectroscopic (UV-Vis, fluorescence, EPR and NMR), electrophysiological and optical methods (patch clamp, vibrating electrodes, intracellular Ca2+, voltage and pH activity and imaging) will be combined with chromatographic (HPLC-MS, GS-MS, HPLC-DAD-Fluorescence) and biochemical techniques. Focus will be on role of organic acids, phenolics and sugars in above reactions, and effect of degradation products of materials. By such an approach we expect new insights on the role of cell membranes in energy transfer, ion transport and signal transduction. The broader aim of the proposed research is enhancement of our understanding of the mechanisms by which eukaryotic cells interact with other cells and environment, utilizes energy, and response to changes in the environment and stress.