2/13-2/19/2017: Week 1 – Background Information

Hello! In my first week of working on my senior research project, I found it important to educate myself on the topic which I will be working on in addition to formulating my project’s timeline and end goals.

ABSTRACT

Metalloproteins are proteins that contain a metal ion cofactor and compose between a quarter and half of all proteins in the human body. This metal cofactor typically dictates the protein’s function and influences a protein to complete tasks varying from oxygen transportation to signal transduction, like “fight or flight” reflex. In addition to making up a significant amount of the body’s proteins, metalloproteins are relatively easy to design and implement in biological/cellular models. The Mills Lab at ASU Biodesign aims to increase our understanding of metalloprotein functionality and further develop these biological “worker” molecules to broaden their applicability. This research works to form specific molecules and analyze the structures and functions of the created compounds. To provide further education on proteomics and amino acids for the next generation of scientists, the lab is also developing a supplemental educational tool for biology students using Foldit software.

METALLOPROTEINS

Metalloprotein functions are encoded by the metals which are bound within their primary structures. These proteins are relatively easily designed and can be easily thrown into cells to degrade toxins and small molecules (approx. 50-100 atoms) and biopolymers (i.e. proteins). Through the metal cofactors in metalloproteins, they can be used as programmable catalysts in abiological contexts, leading to extrasomal protein utilization. These implications extend beyond poison/toxin removal to material design.

FOLDIT

Foldit is an online puzzle game about protein folding. It was developed by the University of Washington, Center for Game Science, and the UW Department of Biochemistry. The objective of Foldit is to fold the structures of selected proteins using tools provided in the game. The highest scoring solutions are analyzed by researchers, who determine whether or not there is a native structural configuration (native state) that can be applied to relevant proteins in the real world.

QUESTIONS

Can we successfully mutate metalloproteins while predicting their resulting functions?

How can we examine our results to ensure that our desired results are achieved?

What steps must be taken to produce our desired protein structures?

How can we modify Foldit to facilitate education in biology and proteomics?