Structural characterization of the extracellular hemoglobin Amynthas gracilis (HbAg) by various biophysics techniques

• Grant number: 16/10884-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: August 01, 2016
• End date: June 30, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Molecular Biophysics
• Principal Investigator: Patrícia Soares Santiago
• Grantee: Jonathan Brito Souza de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Registro. Registro , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/11447-1 - Biophysical characterization of Amynthas gracilis hemoprotein and its potential use as biosensor of environmental contamination, AP.JP
• Associated scholarship(s): 17/19332-4 - Thermodynamic parameters determination and intrinsic activity of extracellular hemoglobin of Amynthas gracilis (HbAg), BE.EP.MS

Abstract

The hemoproteins are a class of proteins that play a vital role in organisms. Within this class we can mention myoglobin, intracellular hemoglobin and cytochrome c, which are intensively studied for many years. The interest of several research groups in extracellular hemoglobins is relatively recent. A strong motivation to study these giant hemoglobins is due to their high oligomeric stability, oxidation resistance, high cooperativity and a high affinity to bind oxygen, in addition to their potential use in biomedical applications such as, for example, blood substitute. These properties make the extracellular hemoglobins quite unique and interesting for studies with biotechnological applications. This research project aims to perform structural characterization and stability of a giant extracellular hemoglobin extracted from the annelid Amynthas gracilis (HbAg). In addition, to evaluate its potential use as biosensor for environmental contamination. Initially HbAg biophysical properties, such as thermal stability, dissociation and/or denaturation, at different pH values, structural changes in the presence of chaotropic agents, and the interactions of HbAg with metals and pesticides, will be evaluated. Several spectroscopic techniques, such as, optical absorption, static fluorescence, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and circular dichroism (CD), as well as, some structural techniques, namely small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF-MS and atomic absorption, are proposed. In addition, the HbAg will be immobilized on solid surfaces by preparing self-assembled films and its potential as biosensors for the detection of metals / pesticides that contaminate the soil will be explored. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

OLIVEIRA, J. B. S.; RAMOS, L.; SOUZA, C. O.; SEBASTIAO, I; CARUSO, C.; CARVALHO, F. A. O.; CARVALHO, J. W. P.; MORGANTE, P. G.; SANTIAGO, P. S.. Initial biophysical characterization ofAmynthas gracilisgiant extracellular hemoglobin (HbAg). EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL WITH BIOPHYSICS LETTERS, v. 49, n. 6, AUG 2020. (16/10884-1, 15/11447-1)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

OLIVEIRA, Jonathan Brito Souza de. Structural characterization of the extracellular hemoglobin of Amynthas gracilis (HbAg) by different biophysical techniques. 2018. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp). Instituto de Química. Araraquara Araraquara.