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Structure of a eukaryotic small heat shock protein by high resolution single particle electron microscopy

ReferenceB12984
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Helen Saibil
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Dr Helen White
Institution Birkbeck College
DepartmentBiological Sciences
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 240,945
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/01/2000
End date 01/01/2003
Duration36 months

Abstract

Small heat shock proteins, a superfamily of molecular chaperones including the eye lens protein alpha-crystallin, form large and variable macromolecular assemblies. They play a protective role, suppressing protein aggregation. We propose to determine the structure of two assemblies of yeast hsp26 by high resolution single particle analysis of electron cryo- micrographs. Our preliminary work has revealed hollow shells with octahedral or tetrahedral symmetry. Under heat stress, the structure is recognised to form much larger assemblies with denatured substrate proteins. We will also characterise the structures of hsp26-substrate complexes. This work should reveal the structural basis of variable assembly and substrate binding in small hsps.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Biomolecular Sciences (BMS)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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