Molecular structural studies of protein complexes essential for viral replication and plant nitrogen metabolism

病毒复制和植物氮代谢必需的蛋白质复合物的分子结构研究

• 批准号: 262089-2008
• 负责人: Ng, Kenneth
• 金额: $ 2.19万
• 依托单位: University of Calgary
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2010
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2010-01-01 至 2011-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=456264
• 关键词: Molecular; structural; studies; protein; complexes

Protein-protein interactions are critical for many important biological processes. In the two divergent fields of viral replication and the regulation of plant metabolism, we are establishing a molecular structural basis for understanding the complex network of protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions underlying these processes. To achieve this goal, we have developed efficient methods for producing milligram quantities of the central enzymes and regulatory proteins. A suite of biochemical and biophysical methods have also being used to measure binding interactions and enzyme activities. Finally, crystallization screening and X-ray crystallography are used to provide high resolution three-dimensional information on protein complexes. This structural information provides a rational basis for the design of mutagenesis experiments to further probe the importance of specific interactions in both viral replication and plant metabolism. Ultimately, this information also provides the basis for developing novel antiviral therapeutics for important human and animal diseases, as well as for the improvement of plant crops under conditions of nitrogen limitation.

蛋白质-蛋白质相互作用对于许多重要的生物过程至关重要。 在病毒复制和植物代谢调节这两个不同的领域，我们正在建立一个分子结构基础，以了解这些过程背后的蛋白质-蛋白质和蛋白质-RNA相互作用的复杂网络。 为了实现这一目标，我们已经开发出有效的方法来生产毫克量的中心酶和调节蛋白。 一套生物化学和生物物理学方法也被用来测量结合相互作用和酶活性。 最后，结晶筛选和X射线晶体学用于提供蛋白质复合物的高分辨率三维信息。 这种结构信息提供了一个合理的基础，诱变实验的设计，以进一步探测病毒复制和植物代谢中的特异性相互作用的重要性。 最终，这些信息还为开发用于重要人类和动物疾病的新型抗病毒疗法以及在氮限制条件下改善植物作物提供了基础。