32nd Annual Student Research Conference
Aggregation of Gamma Crystallin Proteins Over Time
Addison M. Leabo
Dr. Cassidy Dobson, Faculty Mentor
Gamma crystallins are the major class of proteins in the eye. Their aggregation is the primary cause of cataracts which affects over 35 million individuals worldwide. Our laboratory seeks to understand the aggregation behavior of gamma crystallins and to investigate if this aggregation can be reversed or even prevented by another protein, Disulfide Bond Forming enzyme (DBF), that functions as a molecular chaperone. In order to study these interactions, we must first discover the most ideal way to obtain aggregated gamma crystallins. This lab is studying multiple reagents to induce aggregation, including time and chemical modifiers. Gamma crystallins do aggregate over time as confirmed by SDS-PAGE and size exclusion data. Aggregation of the gamma crystallins is the limiting step in our current study. Finding a way to successfully aggregate the gamma crystallins in a timely manner is crucial for the continuation of studying the gamma crystallin and DBF interactions.
Keywords: gamma crystallins, protein aggregation, SDS-PAGE, biochemistry
Topic(s):Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Chemistry
Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 311-2
Location: MC 212
Time: 1:45