DEVELOPMENT OF FLOW CYTOMETRY BASED PROTEASE MODEL SYSTEMS

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. Primary support for the subproject and the subproject's principal investigator may have been provided by other sources, including other NIH sources. The Total Cost listed for the subproject likely represents the estimated amount of Center infrastructure utilized by the subproject, not direct funding provided by the NCRR grant to the subproject or subproject staff. Metalloproteases are a major factor in the toxicity of many pathogenic bacteria including B. anthracis, C. botulinum, and C. tetani. A detailed understanding of the complete kinetic mechanism and factors affecting the site specificity of these proteases will significantly improve our ability to screen and design specific inhibitors of toxic metalloproteases for possible use as therapeutics. Such understanding will also facilitate the creation of sensitive biothreat detection assays that would have a significant impact on homeland defense. This project will develop a flow cytometry based model system that will allow the determination of the detailed kinetic mechanism of a metalloprotease, factors affecting site specificity, and provide a framework for inhibitor screening.