Award details

Investigate the lipid-protein interactions of pro-apoptotic Bid and Bax

Reference	BB/C508469/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Mauro Esposti
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Miss Elizabeth Mundy
Institution	The University of Manchester
Department	Life Sciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	205,400
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/10/2004
End date	30/09/2007
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Proteins of the Bcl-2 family function as key regulators of cell death. Emerging evidence indicates that pro-apoptotic members of the family act on intracellular membranes, especially those of mitochondria. The molecular aspects of lipid-protein interactions of Bcl-2 proteins are poorly understood, thereby hampering the clarification of their pro-apoptotic mechanism. The goal of this project is to contribute solid information towards the elucidation of the molecular action of two important pro-apoptotic proteins, Bid and Bax. The interaction of these proteins with membrane lipids will be systematically investigated using biochemical, molecular and biophysical approaches applied to native and mutated proteins to achieve specific objectives that represent key unresolved aspects of pro-apoptotic action. Specifically, we will test the fascinating hypothesis that Bax may have a cryptic lipid degrading capacity, which is enhanced by surfactant-mediated changes and is facilitated by Bid acting as a co-lipase. Aware of the complex cell physiology in which pro-apoptotic proteins act, we shall explore their action in relation to lipid degrading enzymes like phospholipases, which appear to be commonly involved in the signalling and execution of physiological forms of cell death. The outcomes of the project will contribute to the elucidation of fundamental mechanisms by which our cells die.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Biochemistry & Cell Biology (BCB)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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