Structure of HIV-1 Vpu Membrane Protein by NMR

University Of California San Diego, La Jolla CA

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Abstract

[unreadable] DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Vpu is a small (81 residue) membrane protein encoded in the genome of HPV-I. Because of its small size and integral function in the HIV-1 lifecycle, NMR structural studies of Vpu can contribute to the development of membrane protein structure elucidation methods while simultaneously pursuing answers to AIDS-related research questions. The focus of this study is to develop NMR methods for determining the structures of membrane proteins. Specifically, the goals are to: 1. Determine the structure of the membrane protein Vpu; and 2. Utilize the structural information to describe its biological functions. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy will be performed on oriented lipid bilayer samples of Vpu. These studies will be compared to those obtained from complementary techniques, including solution-state NMR on micelle samples and solid-state MAS NMR on unoriented bilayer samples.