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Characterization of Bacteriophage T4 Early Gene Proteins


EMSL Project ID
1784

Abstract

We have cloned and are purifying a number of early genes from bacteriophage T4. These gene products are usually lethal to E. coli, and in comparison with sequence data bases they have no obvious homology to known proteins. We hope that by expressing these proteins and examining their structures and effects on bacterial cells in more detail, to gain insights into their function. Several of these proteins have been successfully expressed as fusion proteins with poly-histidine tags to aid in purification. In addition, we have used affinity and ion exchange chromatography to purify these proteins to near homogeneity. Before proceeding further in characterizing these proteins, we would like to confirm that the expressed protein amino acid sequence matches that predicted by early work in sequencing the genome of this virus. In some cases, doublet proteins have been purified or apparent protolysis has occured.

Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
1999-12-29
End Date
2001-10-17
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

James Neitzel
Institution
The Evergreen State College