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Investigations into the Protein-Mineral Interface


EMSL Project ID
30473

Abstract

We propose to use a combination of experimental and computational techniques to investigate the protein-mineral interface. Namely, we will use atomic force microscopy to measure nano-scale forces present between mineral asbestos fibers and an adhesion molecule, such as vitronectin or fibronectin. Furthermore, AFM can provide real-time images of the mineral surfaces (e.g., roughness) shortly after protein deposition as an extra measure of the adhesion potential of proteins. Additional experiments will be conducted using Fourier transform infrared specroscopy to obtain information regarding the secondary structure of the protein as it approaches and eventually adheres to the mineral fiber. Lastly, these experiments will be coupled to molecular dynamic simulations of the attachment of a subdomain of the protein to crocidolite asbestos. These investigations will aid in the efforts to determine the protein function and dynamics in asbestos-related diseases, since they have been found to take part in mediating attachment between fiber and cell in human and animal cell cultures.

Project Details

Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2009-06-01
End Date
2011-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Steven Lower
Institution
The Ohio State University

Team Members

Eric Taylor
Institution
The Ohio State University