Acquisition of Instrumentation for Peptide Synthesis and Purification

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The PI proposes the acquisition of instrumentation for the synthesis and purification of short peptides. This instrumentation will help advance the research program of the PI involving spectroscopic characterization of model alpha helices. The infrared (IR) spectra of amide modes of peptides have long been used to estimate secondary structure content and describe conformational dynamics. However, the transition dipole coupling which makes these modes sensitive to backbone structure also causes these modes to be global markers about protein structure and limits their application as specific, local probes. In this study, isotopic labels introduced into the sequence of model helical peptides will be used to disrupt transition dipole coupling and to provide local reporters of peptide structure and environment. These labels will be used to investigate the effect of helix capping and helix dipoles on amide I frequency. In addition, the labeled residues will be used to investigate folding/unfolding processes of model helices focusing on the conformation of a particular residue. The basic information about the effect of local interactions on amide I frequencies will be the basis for developing methodology to use IR spectroscopy as a tool for probing of dissecting specific structural or dynamic properties of proteins. The peptide synthesis instrumentation will make the pursuit of this research project more time and cost efficient by making possible the preparation of isotopically labeled peptides on site. Mount Holyoke College, the nation's oldest continuing liberal arts college for women, has a long history of educating women for careers in scientific research. A key component of this tradition is the collaboration between undergraduate students and faculty on research projects. In order to best prepare students for future research careers, undergraduate research programs must give students as much direct, hands-on experience with the techniques and instrumentation as possible. This instrumentation will enhance the research experience of student collaborators with the PI by exposing them to important, modern techniques of biochemistry.