Plant Protein May Serve as a Nano Switch or Nano Motor
A plant’s phloem is a primary target for attack by insects because it contains sweet sap. In fact, it is an aphid’s favorite eatery! When under attack, a plant employs an internal line of defense. Key to this defense is a tiny motor protein called a forisome.
The phloem is a tubular structure that moves nutrients from sites of photosynthesis to the rest of the plant. Each tiny tubular phloem segment is separated from the next by a flat, circular sieve plate, which contains holes through which the nutrients pass. Near each sieve plate is a forisome protein structure. When the plant is injured or under attack, forisomes in the area adjusts its shape in order to block the sieve plates, thus protecting the plant against the loss of water and nutrients.
WSU botanist Michael Knoblauch is studying this plant protein motor. It is the ability of forisome to change shape that intrigues him. “It is like a linear motor and can generate force, both pulling and pushing, as it changes shape,” said Knoblauch. Forisome’s shape change can be initiated by calcium ions, by pH changes and even by electricity. “We don’t know of any other protein complexes that are excitable by electricity.” Because of this unique characteristic, Knoblauch expects there may be very exciting roles for forisome in nanotechnology applications. For example, it might be used as a linear motor in micro robotic systems or as a switch or valve in microfluidics like “lab-on-a chip” devices.
Knoblauch came to WSU last fall as the new director of the Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center. He was well prepared for the directorship of the FMIC by his previous posts as a group leader in nanobiotechnology studies at the University of Giessen, and at the Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, where he managed bioimaging and microtechnique equipment. Most recently, he was in Mainz, Germany, where he was at the Institute for Microtechnique developing a “lab-on-a-chip” device.
Although Knoblauch never met Vince Franceschi, he was well acquainted with his work and reputation. “Vince is well known; he was part of my inspiration to come to WSU.” In addition, the excellent quality of WSU’s plant biology group, and the international reputation of the FMIC as a top quality facility also drew him.
As director, Knoblauch’s goal is for the Center is to continue to provide the high quality education for which it is noted. “The Center is widely known for training students to prepare samples and operate the instruments themselves, unlike many similar facilities that provide services, but not training. A graduate course, EMIC 586/587 draws students from five colleges across campus—Engineering, Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Pharmacy and Sciences,” noted Knoblauch. “The opportunity for both graduates and undergraduates to have hands-on training on the million dollar machines, is often the reason they come to WSU—to actually learn the techniques.”
The depth of experience of long-time FMIC staff members, supervisor Christine Davitt and specialist Valerie Lynch-Holm, make the resources of the Center accessible to all users. Their contribution to the education offered at the Center is highly regarded.
Knoblauch earned his doctorate from Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Germany, and undergraduate degrees in botany, zoology and meteorology from Goethe University. He won the Best Dissertation award from the University of Giessen and the Pfeffer-Prize from the German Botanical Society, which recognizes the best dissertation or similar scientific achievement in German and is awarded every second year. He held a research position at the Scottish Crop Research Institute in Dundee, Scotland, and at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.
Knoblauch’s wife Hella and sons Jan and Björn enjoy Pullman and are rapidly making the transition to English from their native German. The family enjoys fishing and hiking and the geographical variety of the region–mountains, rivers, desert, farm country. “And all with no crowds!”
Tours of the Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center may be arranged by calling 509-335-3025.
WSU botanist
Michael Knoblauch
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