# Studies of the function of membrane and soluble proteins and their biophysical properties.

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2024 · $117,500

## Abstract

Project Summary from the Parent Award
Over the past 50 years, the field of biophysical chemistry has learned an enormous amount about the
relationships between the function, dynamics and folding of soluble proteins. The next stage in biological science
involves addressing more complex problems on more challenging systems using increasingly sophisticated
approaches augmented by computational methods. The Sosnick lab has followed this path. We are conducting
studies of membrane proteins, condensates and disordered proteins. Our ability to address these topics arises
in part from our expertise in the folding of soluble and more recently, membrane proteins. We build on this
experience and knowledge to advance new or improve existing methods. The proposed research relies heavily
on hydrogen exchange (HX), a method developed to study folding and dynamics yet possessing broad
transferability to many methods. We plan to continue this approach and study the voltage activation of a sensory
motor protein, metabolite transport across a bilayer, stress-induced phase separation, and properties of
disordered proteins in addition to membrane protein folding. To address these topics in depth, we are expanding
HX's applicability to membrane proteins under an activating voltage, during their folding, and even in vivo to
examine their dynamics in cells. These studies are augmented by simulations conducted with our Upside
algorithm that is 103-104 fold faster than ordinary simulations. This speed enables Upside to produce HX patterns
that can be compared to experiment. Many of the projects are collaborative, leveraging our skills and interests
with those of other labs, which further supports the value of our studies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11037225
- **Project number:** 3R35GM148233-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Tobin R Sosnick
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $117,500
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2023-03-01 → 2028-02-29

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11037225

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11037225, Studies of the function of membrane and soluble proteins and their biophysical properties. (3R35GM148233-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-12 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11037225. Licensed CC0.

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