1. SYNTHETIC MICROBIAL MACROMOLECULAR ASSEMBLIES – Rafael Giraldo
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ♦ Synthetic biology of ligand-induced conformational COLLABORATIONS & PARTNERSHIPS
switches (design of protein devices to artificially control
Our group aims to contribute minimal microbial model DNA replication and amyloid assembly; protein arrays Inside the CIB we work in collaboration with several groups
systems for pre-clinical applications (screening and engineering; and feasibility assessment on microbial and fields: S. Moreno (immuno-cytochemistry/iEM), G. Rivas
diagnostic tools) in the area of protein amyloidosis, which is modules. (cytomimmetic chemistry), V. Muñoz (FTIR spectroscopy), A.
related to many human degenerative diseases. Romero (X-ray crystallography), E. de Alba (NMR) and O.
Llorca (EM reconstruction of amyloid fibers).
Over a decade, our basic research on proteins bearing
Winged-Helix (WH) domains involved in replication initiation Within Spain research sector we collaborate with: J.M.
of bacterial plasmids and yeast chromosomes has allowed Valpuesta, CNB-CSIC (EM on chaperones), F. Moreno, CNB-
us to unravel the molecular basis for a ligand (DNA)- CSIC, Madrid (AFM on amyloid fibers), P. Chacón, IQFR-
promoted and chaperone (Hsp70)-modulated conformational CSIC, Madrid (in silico studies on amyloid fibers), F. De la
remodeling, building a switch between functional activation Cruz, Cantabria U. (Engineering conjugative relaxases). We
or amyloid aggregation. We are now interested in the are an active partner of the PRODESTECH Consortium,
development of application such as microbial (bacterial and project funded since 2009 by Spanish Ministry of Science &
yeast)-based biosensors for the screening of small Technology through the Consolider Programme.
molecules capable to inhibit or control protein amyloidosis
We also maintain synergistic collaborations along worldwide:
GENERAL AND COMPLEMENTARY SKILLS Ariel Lindner, CRI-París, France (microfluidics), Igor Konieczny,
CURRENT RESEARCH THEMES OF THE GROUP
♦ Cell Biology (bacteria and yeast) IFB-Gdansk, Poland (Structure and assembly of Rep proteins),
Specific projects currently developed by the group are: Ana Paula Ulian-Araújo, IFSC-Sao Paulo, Brasil (Septin
♦ Molecular Biology
♦ Conformational activation and primers of synthetic protein amyloidosis) and Rosalba Lagos, U. Santiago, Chile (Microcin
♦ Biophysics amyloidosis).
and protein-DNA macromolecular complexes
♦ New microbial model systems for tackling protein EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES We are looking for joining to consortiums or offer research or
amyloidosis. Apart from the equipment typical in a Molecular Biology consultancy services interested in joining to projects (i.e. our
laboratory (to handle with DNA and proteins), the group has expertise fits perfectly on the 7FP´s call HEATLH.2013
More info at the group web.
access to the common facilities at CIB-CSIC, including electron Functional validation in animal and cellular models of genetic
SPECIFIC SKILLS and confocal microscopes, analytical ultracentrifuge, determinants of diseases and ageing processes) where we could
fluorimeter, spectropolarimeter, mass spectrometers, DNA contribute with our broad know-how and technical skills.
The group has expertise on in vivo studies (bacterial and
and peptide synthesizers, plate readers, etc. CONTACT
yeast genetics), including fluorescence and immune-electron
microscopies, and in vitro approaches such as biochemistry OUR TEAM In case you were interested in our collaboration, please feel
and biophysics of complex systems: protein assemblies,
Dr. Rafael Giraldo is internationally recognized on the study free to contact us at:
protein-DNA interactions or surface adsorption (using
techniques such as electrophoresis, CD and fluorescence of the Molecular Biology of bacterial plasmids and in the Principal Investigator: rgiraldo@cib.csic.es
spectroscopies, protein and nucleic acid chemistry, electron fields of protein-DNA interactions and Synthetic Biology. Tech Transfer: i.torres@cib.csic.es
microscopy, analytical centrifugation and light scattering) The group is currently formed by 2 senior scientists, 3 Tel: +34 91 837 31 12 Ext: 4348/4349
♦ Screening of amyloidosis inhibitors and modulators in postdoctoral researchers, 1 Ph.D. student and 1 technician. Fax: +34 91 536 04 32
microbial systems. Click here to see selected publications c/ Ramiro de Maeztu, 9. 28040 Madrid. CIB-CSIC Lab 347
♦ Engineering amyloid assemblies as novel nano-tools in http://www.cib.csic.es/en/grupo.php?idgrupo=61
vitro and as functional scaffolds in vitro.
