Molecular and functional characterization of the thioredoxin/thioredoxin interacting protein complex

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When the cells in our body use oxygen, they naturally produce very reactive molecules known as "free radicals" which can damage the body. However, cells protect themselves from free radical damage using other molecules known as "free radical scavengers". These scavengers convert the dangerous free radicals molecules into less reactive molecules that no longer harm the cell. One free radical scavenger that is common in both plants and animals is a very small protein known as Thioredoxin. However, Thioredoxin does not act alone, but must make contact with other proteins to scavenge free radicals. One of these other proteins is called Thioredoxin Interacting Protein (Txnip). Thioredoxin and Txnip interact in the cell and form what is called a dimer (meaning two proteins interact). However, it is very likely that other proteins also interact with Thioredoxin and Txnip, and that Thioredoxin and Txnip form part of a larger protein complex made up of many proteins. So far, very few proteins are known that are part of this complex. Therefore, the purpose of my research program is to find the proteins which are part of the Thioredoxin/Txnip complex. We expect to find several proteins that are part of this complex and that make contact with Thioredoxin and/or Txnip. Knowing what makes up this complex will help us to understand how plants and animals protect themselves against damage from free radicals.