Interaction between Mitochondrial Hsp90 - TRAP-1 - and Serine-Threonine Kinase PINK-1

• Grant number: 15/22443-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2016
• End date: December 31, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Lisandra Marques Gava Borges
• Grantee: Camila de Camargos Retucci
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Mitochondrion is a complex, dynamic and semiautonomous organelle that has fundamental importance for energy production and biomolecules synthesis and that plays essential roles in apoptosis. Any imbalance in mitochondrial homeostasis can lead to catastrophic effects on the cell and also in the emergence of diseases. In order to perform its various functions, mitochondria has a network of molecular chaperones, highlighting Hsp90 and its mitochondrial homologous TRAP-1 (Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Protein-1). Although there is great amount of information about Hsp90, little is known about the TRAP-1, which has proven to be essential for mitochondrial integrity, oxidative cell death, mitochondrial protein folding, quality control of proteins and transcriptional responses to proteotoxic stress. Furthermore, the abnormal activity of TRAP-1 was observed in cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, the importance of studying the mechanisms of action and modulation of this protein and its interaction with other proteins and ligands is evident. One of the most important regulators of TRAP-1 cytoprotective activity is the mitochondrial serine-threonine kinase PINK-1 (PTEN-Induced Putative Kinase). Accordingly, this research project aims to the expression and purification of mitochondrial Hsp90 - TRAP-1 - and its interactor protein PINK-1 for further characterization of these proteins interaction.