Description
Viral protein U (Vpu) is a type-III integral membrane protein encoded by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV- 1). It is expressed in infected host cells and plays vital roles in down-regulation of CD4 receptors in T cells and also in the budding of virions. But, there remain key structure/function questions regarding the mechanisms by which the Vpu protein contributes to HIV-1 pathogenesis and thus, it makes for an attractive target to study the structural attributes of this protein by elucidating a structural model with X-ray crystallography. This study describes a multi-pronged approach of heterologous over-expression of Vpu. The strategies of purification and biophysical/ biochemical characterization of the different versions of the protein to evaluate their potential for crystallization are also detailed. Furthermore, various strategies employed for the crystallization of Vpu by both in surfo and in cubo techniques, and the challenges faced towards the structural studies of this membrane protein by characterization with solution Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are also described.
Details
Title
- Towards a Structural and Functional Insight into the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – 1 Membrane Protein, Vpu.
Contributors
- Deb, Arpan (Author)
- Leket-Mor, Tsafrir S (Thesis advisor)
- Fromme, Petra (Committee member)
- Mason, Hugh (Committee member)
- Stout, Valerie (Committee member)
- Arizona State University (Publisher)
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
2016
Subjects
Resource Type
Collections this item is in
Note
- Doctoral Dissertation Molecular and Cellular Biology 2016