Exploring Interactions between RitR and PhPP in the Presence of DNA and Their Role in Iron Uptake in S. pneumonia
Poster Number
17
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Chemistry, Physics, Geology, & the Environment
Faculty Mentor
Nicholas Grossoehme, Ph.D.
Abstract
Streptococcus pneumonia is a pathogenic bacterium that is responsible for a large portion of the pneumonia infections in the United States. This organism has a striking ability to survive in a wide range of oxidative environments, suggesting a well-developed oxygen sensory and response mechanism; iron plays a key role in this process. RitR and PhPP have been shown to play essential roles in the regulation and control of iron uptake in the cell. While it is established that interactions between these two proteins occur, it is not understood how. Our research looks to obtain an understanding of how those interactions occur and how the intake of iron can be controlled when sufficient intracellular levels have been reached. The interaction between these two proteins has been explored using techniques such as gel filtration chromatography and enzyme kinetic analysis. Ongoing fluorescence experiments are aimed at investigating the role DNA has in the interaction between the two proteins. Results of this research will allow scientists to have deeper understanding of iron regulation in S. pneumonia and may enable development of methods to control its virulent characteristics.
Course Assignment
CHEM 551, 552 – Hanna
Grant Support?
Supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health IDeA Networks for Biomedical Research Excellence (NIH-INBRE)
Start Date
21-4-2017 12:00 PM
Exploring Interactions between RitR and PhPP in the Presence of DNA and Their Role in Iron Uptake in S. pneumonia
Rutledge
Streptococcus pneumonia is a pathogenic bacterium that is responsible for a large portion of the pneumonia infections in the United States. This organism has a striking ability to survive in a wide range of oxidative environments, suggesting a well-developed oxygen sensory and response mechanism; iron plays a key role in this process. RitR and PhPP have been shown to play essential roles in the regulation and control of iron uptake in the cell. While it is established that interactions between these two proteins occur, it is not understood how. Our research looks to obtain an understanding of how those interactions occur and how the intake of iron can be controlled when sufficient intracellular levels have been reached. The interaction between these two proteins has been explored using techniques such as gel filtration chromatography and enzyme kinetic analysis. Ongoing fluorescence experiments are aimed at investigating the role DNA has in the interaction between the two proteins. Results of this research will allow scientists to have deeper understanding of iron regulation in S. pneumonia and may enable development of methods to control its virulent characteristics.
