Gamma-D Crytallin Protein Aggregation

Hanna A. Nabulsi
Dr. Cassidy Dobson, Faculty Mentor

Gamma crystallin proteins are vital to maintaining transparency of the eye lens. The major cause of blindness worldwide is cataracts, which occurs when gamma crystallin proteins aggregate. Our aim is to prevent and possibly reverse the aggregation by gaining a better understanding of how Gamma-D crystallin proteins initially interact. In order to study these interactions, purified protein must be obtained. Gamma-D crystallin has been expressed in E. coli and purified by cobalt column chromatography. SDS-PAGE is then used to investigate the purity of protein. Further investigation into the aggregation status of the purified proteins will then be assessed via Size Exclusion Column (SEC) chromatography. Understanding gamma-D crystallin aggregation will assist with future experiments focused on the prevention and reversal of these aggregates.

Keywords: Gamma-D Crystallin Protein, Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), SDS-PAGE, E. coli

Topic(s):Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA