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Modelling anhydrobiosis in mammalian cells: life without water?
Reference
C17391
Principal Investigator / Supervisor
Professor Alan Tunnacliffe
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution
University of Cambridge
Department
Institute of Biotechnology
Funding type
Research
Value (£)
186,216
Status
Completed
Type
Research Grant
Start date
01/10/2002
End date
01/10/2005
Duration
36 months
Abstract
Biochemical and genetic analysis of anhydrobiosis, the viable state of suspended animation attained by certain organisms after complete desiccation, suggest that abundant, hydrophilsic proteins (hydrophilins), together with high levels of non-reducing sugars, are important for survival. The hypothesis will be tested by assessing their effect in mammalian cells, which are normally extremely sensitive to dehydration. Osmostress and drying experiments will be performed on human and mouse cells transformed with trehalose synthetic genes and or a novel hydrophilin gene identified in anhydrobiotic nematodes. Cell viability will be assayed, and the effect of genetic modifications on stress responses to hypertonicity and dehydration assessed. Fully desiccation tolerant mammalian cells will have a number of applications, and are an ultimate goal.
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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