About This Project

Electron transfer reactions are involved in a wide range of scientifically important research fields. These areas include photosynthesis, corrosion, fuel cells, enzyme linked sensors, and most importantly diseases resulting from defective cellular respiration. Many advances in the area of electron transfer have been made and the principles of small molecule electron transfer have been well established. However, in larger molecules, such as proteins, electron transfer and the forces affecting it are still poorly understood. These must be studied in order to continue research on defective electron transfer generates reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are main causes of aging, many cancers, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease. Donors will be acknowledged and thanked on the research website. I will also personally update donors on the progress of the research via biweeky lab note updates.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

This study proposes to continue characterization of protein ET by determining the effects of the residues W45 in amicyanin with regard to electron transfer. The copper in the redox site of amicyanin mutes the fluorescence of the sole tryptophan amino acid in amicyanin. This electronic communication from the copper to the tryptophan is well-known. However, it is not known if the tryptophan reciprocates any form of electronic communication to the copper. The effects of this tryptophan on the electron transfer properties and stability will be studied.

What is the significance of this project?

Electron transfer (ET) is a basic biochemical process, which is central to cell and organism survival. This process occurs in all aspects of metabolism. Congenital defects can lead to an increase in reactive oxygen species and other free radicals, which can be a primary cause of cancers, aging, and other disease states. Even though ET is such a fundamental biological process, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of protein ET. With your support, I will be able to characterize these mechanisms, so we move one step closer towards research for a treatment for diseases.

What are the goals of the project?

The funds from this campaign will be used towards complete characterization of the effects of the tryptophan amino acid of amicyanin with regard to 1) electron transfer and 2) protein stability. As you can imagine, measuring electrons that can move large distances in under a second requires specialized equipment. Your support will let me have to access to top instrumentation and facilities to perform this research. Donors will be involved via updates on lab notes, research meetings and conferences, and scientific journal publication status.