U.S.-Hungary Cooperative Research: Conformational Analysis of Biologically Active Peptides and Proteins in Solution and Gas Phases

University Of Arizona, Tucson AZ

Investigators

Abstract

This U.S.-Hungary research project between Victor Hruby of the University of Arizona and Katalin Kover of the University of Debrecen features the study of bioactive peptide function. Specifically, conformations and dynamics of oligopeptides, peptide mimetics, proteins and peptide protein complexes in both the solution and gas phases will be examined using multi-dimensional NMR, tandem mass spectrometry and theoretical methods. The researchers intend to examine the role of three-dimensional structures and molecular dynamics in the biological activity of peptides and proteins with the goal of better understanding the behavior of synthetic oligopeptides, proteins and peptide-protein complexes. If successful, results may yield new information leading to the definition of peptidomimetic compounds that are potentially useful as reagents or in drug development. This biophysics research project fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling experts in the United States and Central Europe to combine complementary talents and share research resources inn areas of strong mutual interest and competence.