RUI: Mutagenesis and Mechanistic Studies of Firefly Luciferase

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Bioluminescence the emission of light by living organisms is a fascinating phenomenon thathas enchanted children and challenged those who have tried to fully understand it. Fireflies areexamples of bioluminescent beetles capable of emitting light of various colors from green to red.The basic biochemistry of the firefly light emission process has many practical applicationsincluding drug development, clinical trials and food testing. This project will investigate the keyfirefly protein called luciferase that is responsible for the extraordinary biochemical lightprocess. The research is designed to identify important components of firefly luciferase and todetermine how specific amino acids work together to efficiently produce light of varying color.Molecular biology techniques will be used to create and evaluate new luciferase proteins. Theresults should contribute to a better understanding of firefly bioluminescence and thefundamental process by which living organisms convert chemical energy into light. Theelucidation of the light-emitting process of firefly luciferase is important to the continueddevelopment of significant useful applications. Additionally, a better understanding of the fireflyluciferase structure-function properties is important to fundamental biochemical processes withsignificant practical applications extending beyond the realm of bioluminescence. This projectwill be carried out at Connecticut College, a liberal arts college with a strong commitment toundergraduate research experiences. Previous bioluminescence work directed by the principalinvestigator for approximately 25 years has been highly appealing to undergraduate students.Professional and students participants in this project will be involved in modern mainstreambiochemical and molecular biology research. It is expected that student participants will becomescientists well prepared for entry into graduate programs and professional scientific careers.