Identification of Novel Metalloproteases
Start Date
2023 4:00 PM
Location
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 2nd floor
Abstract
Approximately thirty percent of identified proteins do not have a known function. In order to determine the function of these proteins, programs like the Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Lab (BASIL) are utilized. The BASIL program is divided into several different modules which allow the comparison of structure and sequence of proteins with known functions with a protein of unknown function. SPRITE, Chimera, and Dali are used to compare protein structures and to match proteins based on the similarities of their structures. The computer programs BLAST and Pfam (now called InterPro) are used to compare the sequences of proteins and find sequence alignments.
Originally the BASIL program was assembled to identify novel serine hydrolases, but it can also be used to identify other classes of enzymes, such as metalloproteases. When looking at the structures of metalloproteases a specific motif was identified for further investigation. A motif is an arrangement of conserved amino acid residues that are important for a protein’s function. The motif that is present in almost all metalloproteases is the HEXXH motif. By using this motif, candidate proteins were identified and evaluated as potential novel metalloproteases. These metalloproteases will be characterized further using the BASIL modules.
Identification of Novel Metalloproteases
Alter Hall Poster Session 2 - 2nd floor
Approximately thirty percent of identified proteins do not have a known function. In order to determine the function of these proteins, programs like the Biochemistry Authentic Scientific Inquiry Lab (BASIL) are utilized. The BASIL program is divided into several different modules which allow the comparison of structure and sequence of proteins with known functions with a protein of unknown function. SPRITE, Chimera, and Dali are used to compare protein structures and to match proteins based on the similarities of their structures. The computer programs BLAST and Pfam (now called InterPro) are used to compare the sequences of proteins and find sequence alignments.
Originally the BASIL program was assembled to identify novel serine hydrolases, but it can also be used to identify other classes of enzymes, such as metalloproteases. When looking at the structures of metalloproteases a specific motif was identified for further investigation. A motif is an arrangement of conserved amino acid residues that are important for a protein’s function. The motif that is present in almost all metalloproteases is the HEXXH motif. By using this motif, candidate proteins were identified and evaluated as potential novel metalloproteases. These metalloproteases will be characterized further using the BASIL modules.
