Aspects of Protein Aggregation: An Introduction to Work on the Proteins alpha B Crystallin and Ovalbumin

Condensed Matter lunchtime seminar

Aspects of Protein Aggregation: An Introduction to Work on the Proteins alpha B Crystallin and Ovalbumin

  • Event time: 1:00pm
  • Event date: 8th June 2009
  • Speaker: Caroline Miles (Formerly School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
  • Location: Room 2511,

Event details

After a brief introduction to protein aggregation the first part of the talk will focus on alpha B crystallin. The crystallins are the major structural proteins within the lens of the eye and are responsible for its stability and transparency. We have obtained a plasmid DNA construct for the expression of one of these proteins, alpha B crystallin, in E. coli. The expression, isolation and purification of this protein will be described as will future plans for its characterisation.

Part two gives an overview of a project where we are looking at the aggregation and gelation of the egg protein ovalbumin. This has been shown to form a fine-stranded, transparent gel at high (~12.5) pH. We plan to investigate the nature of these aggregates and to explore how other proteins behave under similar conditions.

About Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars

This is a weekly series of informal talks given primarily by members of the institute of condensed matter and complex systems, but is also open to members of other groups and external visitors. The aim of the series is to promote discussion and learning of various topics at a level suitable to the broad background of the group. Everyone is welcome to attend..

Find out more about Condensed Matter lunchtime seminars.