Name and Surname of the Supervisor: Rima BUDVYTYTE
Institution (Company), Department: Gyvybės mokslų centras
Preliminary Topic: The Interaction of Enzyme from Thermobifida fusca with Lipid Membranes: Evaluation an Enzymatic Activity
Short Description of the Internship Work: Our research experiments will be designed and performed using Thermobifida fusca cutinase TfCut2. Enzymes belonging to the serine hydrolase family have been confirmed to deconstruct PET. Most known PET hydrolases are cutinases, lipases, or carboxylesterases. It has been shown that this enzyme may possess phospholipase activity, although the mechanism remains completely unclear.
To study TfCut2 interactions and enzymatic activity with membranes, we will use tethered bilayer lipid membranes (tBLMs) as an experimental model for protein reconstitution and lipid–protein interaction studies. These enzymes have exhibited phospholipid cleavage properties, as demonstrated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).
The lipid composition is one of the key factors affecting the enzymatic activity of TfCut2 toward phospholipid membranes. In our work, to achieve more sensitive detection of the phospholipatic activity of TfCut2, we will vary the lipid composition of tBLMs by incorporating synthetic and natural lipid extracts that mimic natural eukaryotic and bacterial phospholipid membranes.
Qualification Requirements (Degree): BSc, MSc
Application Deadline: 2026-04-30
Additional Comments: Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biotechnology, Biology, Microbiology