Studies of protein-heparin binding via Frontal Analysis Continuous Capillary Electrophoresis (FACCE), FACCE/Electrospray-MS, and protein electrostatic modeling

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Professor Paul Dubin of Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis is supported by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program to study the molecular basis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)-protein interactions. GAGs are strongly anionic polysaccharides that constitute the major components of proteoglycans, and they are important in the diverse functions of this class of proteins. Some of the important functions are wound repair and tumor formation. The approach is to use Frontal analysis continuous caplliary electrophoresis (FACCE). The major challenge is the heterogeneity of GAGs, thus the study pushes the limits of separation and characterization techniques. The work provides interdisciplinary training to students in the areas of analytical chemistry, cell biology, biophysical chemistry and computational chemistry. The PI collaborates with J. Dage from Eli Lilly Research Central Research for the use of MS-TOF instruments.A better understanding of structure/function relationships of gylcosaminoglycan-protein interactions will improve the design and efficacy of heparin-based drugs, which belong to one of the most prescribed drug categories (anticoagulants and antithrombotics).