Kendall Laboratory
Our laboratory is involved in studies aimed at probing the
physical properties of proteins which enhance membrane-associated processes.
These include (1) signal peptides which facilitate protein transport; (2)
segments of proteins which function as membrane anchors; and (3) the
cannabinoid receptor, a member of the G-protein coupled receptor class. In
general the approach to these systems involves utilizing various mutagenesis
and gene construction methods to make either a few amino acid replacements or
to insert entirely new structural segments within the native protein. The
mutant sequences are designed to ask questions regarding the role of conformation,
the pattern of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues, folding patterns and
overall topology. By comparing the wild type and mutant activities in vivo
and in reconstituted systems, we can assess the contribution of functional
groups and various structural motifs. This approach is then complemented with
physical studies to substantiate the physical character of the mutant sequences
employed. The overall goal is to understand the design principles of native
proteins and then to use these principles to redesign proteins to perform new
or enhanced functions.
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