The primary objective of this U.S.-Hungary cooperative research project between Dr. Hans Frauenfelder of the University of Illinois and Dr. Lajos Keszthelyi of the Biological Research Center, Szeged, is to study the influence of electric fields on protein functions and the generation of electric signals during protein action. Efforts will address proteins that emit measurable signals after light absorption, specifically membrane-bound retinal proteins and the water soluble protein myoglobin. Results of the joint research should contribute to our general understanding of the electric phenomena of living cells. Specific contributions are expected in basic knowledge of protein kinetics and changes due to external electric fields as well as the dynamics of proteins, through determination and classification of functionally important motions. This project in biophysics fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and share research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
