Gamma-D Crystallin Aggregation in the Presence of Oxidizing Agents

 

Cade K. Rohler
Dr. Cassidy Dobson, Faculty Mentor

Protein aggregation is a large factor in many types of diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, and cataracts. This research is focused on a class of proteins known as the gamma crystallins, the proteins responsible for cataract formation upon aggregation. Understanding aggregation of gamma crystallins will enable us to investigate how to reduce or prevent cataracts. Identifying optimal aggregation conditions for gamma crystallins is required to test the function of molecular chaperones capable of disassembling protein aggregates. To induce aggregation chemical oxidizing agents were added to a stock of monomer protein, incubated, and tested for aggregation by SDS-PAGE and size exclusion chromatography.

 

Keywords: gamma crystallins, protein aggregation, SDS-PAGE, Chromatography

Topic(s):Chemistry
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Presentation Type: Oral Presentation

Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA