Characterization of Protein Interactions in Eye Lens Crystallin Proteins and Crystallization
Mirarefi, Amir Y.
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/87909
Description
Title
Characterization of Protein Interactions in Eye Lens Crystallin Proteins and Crystallization
Author(s)
Mirarefi, Amir Y.
Issue Date
2005
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Zukoski, Charles F.
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Biophysics, General
Language
eng
Abstract
The central theme of this research is to understand how protein interactions alter the state of aggregation and the characterization of these interactions through light scattering properties of dense suspensions. One context where protein interactions have an impact on the state of aggregation is in protein crystallization. Crystallization of globular macromolecules is a difficult process. Often identification of the conditions resulting in X-ray quality crystals involves a large number of trial experiments where several solution conditions are screened. This process is slow, tedious and provides little assurance that crystallization conditions are found. In addition, screening processes provide no insights into why certain conditions work with some globular macromolecules and not with others. Crystallization occurs when an ordered dense packing of the protein has a lower free energy than a disordered amorphous solution. This is accomplished by increasing the protein concentration and increasing the strength of attractions. In this work, the development of a convenient method that provides guidance towards these necessary steps for crystallization is discussed.
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