Using an engineered protein proxy to constrain protein- mineral interactions
EMSL Project ID
48364
Abstract
Objectives: This research intends to contribute to a better mechanistic understanding of protein-mineral attachment by answering questions such as: How do variations in the amino acid sequence of proteins affect the ability of a protein to a) attach to a surface and b) remain structurally intact? Is there structural control over a potential preference of proteins of edges over basal planes or other topographic irregularities in the mineral microtopograpy as bonding sites? By investigating these issues, we expect to be able to distinguish between surface control (through variations in chemical reactivity of mineral surfaces) and protein control (through specific amino acid sequences) of mineral-protein interactions.Potential impact: The proposed research will improve our knowledge of protein-matrix interactions and so help to constrain enzymatic controls on the production of assimilable, bioavailable C in terrestrial systems. In doing so we will contribute to the EMSL science theme "Geochemistry/Biogeochemistry and Subsurface Science and address DOE-BER missions by determining how variations in physico-chemical parameters within subsurface ecosystems can influence the overall functionality of the community as it relates to C and nutrient cycling.
Why are EMSL resources necessary to accomplish the objectives of this research: The research outlined here aims at determining simultaneous information about protein attachment to surfaces, subsequent potential modification/fragmentation of the protein and information about spatial patterns (with reference to mineral surface features such as edges, basal planes or structural defects) of protein-mineral contact. The instruments required to obtain this information are either not available at Oregon State or not accessible to us.
Project Details
Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2014-10-01
End Date
2016-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members
Related Publications
Chacon S.S., P.N. Reardon, C.J. Burgess, S.O. Purvine, R.K. Chu, T.R. Clauss, and E.D. Walter, et al. 2019. "Mineral Surfaces as Agents of Environmental Proteolysis: Mechanisms and Controls." Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 53, no. 6:3018–3026. PNNL-SA-141783. doi:10.1021/acs.est.8b05583
P. Reardon, S. Chacon, E. Walter, M. Bowden, N. Wasthon, and M. Kleber, "Abiotic Protein Fragmentation by Manganese Oxide: Implications for a Mechanism to Supply Soil Biota with Oligopeptides", ES&T (2016) 50: 3486-3493
Reardon P.N., E.D. Walter, C.L. Marean-Reardon, C.W. Lawrence, M.W. Kleber, and N.M. Washton. 2018. "Carbohydrates Protect Protein Against Abiotic Fragmentation By Soil Minerals." Scientific Reports 8. PNNL-SA-132243. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-19119-7