Award details

(A) Purification and characterisation of macro- molecular complexes

Reference	JE412517
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Peter Stockley
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor S Baumberg, Dr Kenneth McDowall, Professor Nicola Jane Stonehouse
Institution	University of Leeds
Department	Inst of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	97,580
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/07/2000
End date	01/01/2001
Duration	6 months

Abstract

Many key regulatory steps in cell biology involve the reversible formation of macromolecular complexes which have unique functions not present in the isolated components. Many of the interactions in such complexes are transient and result in conformational changes in the components of the complexes being formed. In order to understand the molecular basis for the regulatory role(s) of such assemblies, it is necessary to determine how the components recognise each other (molecular recognition), the rates (kinetics) of complex formation and disassembly and the nature of the conformational changes taking place. In Leeds, we are ideally placed to study the first two aspects of this problem, collaborating as we do with world class groups involved in 3D structure determination and having access to automated biosensors based on surface plasmon resonance (BIAcore). This application seeks to fulfil our need to investigate the final aspect of complex formation, namely the study of conformational change during assembly or reaction cycles. We already have access to spectroscopic techniques such as fluorescence and CD but often the molecular complexity of the systems we are studying and their scarcity is such that these techniques can not or should not be applied. We are asking for funds to a) purify macromolecular species rapidly and on a relatively small scale, thus preventing their loss of biological activity; b) characterise the hydrodynamic properties of molecules and complexes in solution using light scattering and finally, c) the ability to characterise large numbers of oligonucleotides upon which much of our research depends. Our ability to use these tools to probe our systems will allow us to remain competitive with other major international groups.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Biomolecular Sciences (BMS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Joint Equipment Initiative 1999 (JE4) [1999]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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