Gas-Phase Proteins: Conformer Separation and Identification, Folding Dynamics and Stability

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This is a Faculty Early Career project. The project will study gas phase protein folding and structure. The solution tertiary/quaternary structure of proteins is crucial to their activity. Gas phase proteins are solvent-free, and are structurally defined only by their intramolecular constraints. Gas phase work thus provides a background for understanding folding and structure in solution, and the present project will elucidate the roles that intramolecular and solvent interactions play in establishing protein structure in solution. This work will use ion chromatography, a new technique for separating isomers in the gas phase, combined with electrospray mass spectrometry. The technique will provide overall shape information about the proteins studied. Educationally, Dr. Clemmer will teach oral communication skills to graduate students by development of a student-run bioanalytical chemistry seminar series and will mentor minority students regularly. This project will study protein structure in the simplest of situations, the gas phase, and will use the information gained thereby to understand the factors governing their solution structures. The project will teach effective oral communication to graduate students and Dr. Clemmer will mentor minority students regularly in his research group.