| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/D500818/1 |
| Title: |
The effects of fluid flow on protein structure |
| Principal Investigator: |
Balabani, Professor S |
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| Department: |
Mechanical Engineering |
| Organisation: |
Kings College London |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 June 2005 |
Ends: |
31 May 2008 |
Value (£): |
63,246
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Analytical Science |
Multiphase Flow |
| Reactor Engineering |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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A variety of physical and chemical perturbations are routinely used to probe protein structure. Mechanical perturbations have also been used and are particularly informative as they can allow the forces required to modify protein structure and function to be accurately quantified. We will explore and develop a new type of mechanical perturbation, fluid flow, and assess its applicability for studying and controlling protein unfolding.A purpose-built flow circuit will be designed and constructed to study protein unfolding in dilute solutions subjected to various flow conditions. Uniform and possibly shear flow fields will be considered in relation to several test proteins and suitable targets for further study will be identified. Flow parameters such as fluid velocity, concentration and viscocity will be examined. The flow field will be characterised by means of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) used extensively at King's College London, whereas protein unfolding will be studied using Raman spectroscopy and Raman optical activity, proven and informative techniques developed and used in Manchester. The observed conformational changes will be correlated with measured flow parameters to further refine the design of the apparatus and/or the scope of the hydrodynamic experiments. From the new information obtained in this pioneering project we hope to assess the viability of this approach for future, and more focused, studies of controlling protein structure using flow characteristics and build the basis for a long-term interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and biology to study hydrodynamic effects on biological molecules.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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