CLONING, EXPRESSION AND INHIBITORY ACTIVITY CARACTERIZATION OF A SUGAR-CANE SERPIN

• Grant number: 07/07776-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2008
• End date: December 31, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Luciano Puzer
• Grantee: Marcelo Yudi Icimoto
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde (CCBS). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The co-evolution allowed the development of a broad diversity of defense mechanisms in plants against fungi and insects. Different strategies are used by these mechanisms to protect plants, and the proteolytic enzyme inhibitors represent one of the most importants. After decodification of Saccarum officinarum genome, we found a sequence that code for one serpin, a serine peptidase inhibitor. Theses proteins are related with importants physiological control mechanisms and, specifically in plants, it is also described as an important factor against pathogenic attack. In this project, we intend to clone and express this serpin from sugar-cane. After, we will measure it inhibitory activity against different serine peptidases.