Projects / Programmes
Enzymology in Signal Transduction
January 1, 1999
- December 31, 2003
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.03.00 |
Medical sciences |
Neurobiology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P004 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Biochemistry, Metabolism |
| P310 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Proteins, enzymology |
| B640 |
Biomedical sciences |
Neurology, neuropsychology, neurophysiology |
Researchers (7)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Program represents fundamental research in the field of protein neurochemistry and is based on the studies of protein - protein as well as protein – small molecule(s) intramolecular interactions. Different cholinesterases and G-proteins are used as model systems. We try to correlate mathematical models of molecular interactions with molecular visualization of the active and regulatory sites of studied proteins, using methods of enzyme kinetics and thermodynamics, purification and identification of proteins, synthesis of model peptides, and molecular modeling. As we hope, our results will contribute to general understanding of the role of cholinesterases in synaptic transmission and clarification of signal transduction mechanisms via G-protein cascades. More specifically, our research should contribute to a design of better active substances for the treatment of signal translation related pathological situations, for instance Alzheimer’s disease, as well as to a design of more selective insecticides. Additionally, we collaborate in development of peptide vector molecules for the transfer of biologically active substances across the biological membranes and blood-brain barrier. In the field of cholinesterases we try to establish a general model of the molecular mechanism for the homo- and heterotropic substrate cooperativity, valid for non-vertebrate (Drosophila) and vertebrate (eel, ray, horse, and mouse) cholinesterases. In this studies we use active site and peripheral site directed ligands, as well as isolated wild type, recombinant and site directed mutated enzymes. In the field of G-proteins we wish to contribute in clarification of molecular background of G-proteins coupling to different receptors and interacting with different physiologically important peptides, for instance ?-amyloid peptide and potential drug translocating peptides. In these studies we use synthetic and natural peptides including with some site specific mutated peptides. Membranes isolated from different brain regions and cell lines, as well as isolated and recombinant G-proteins of different types will be used.
Most important scientific results
Final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report
