Dog Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
We are investigating two dog cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the breakdown of foreign compounds in dogs, CYP1A2 and CYP2E1. These enzymes are responsible for some of the differences between chocolate and caffeine toxicity observed between dogs and humans. Our labs goal is to investigate the differences between the catalytic activity and structure of these proteins compared to the human enzymes.
Techniques used: Protein expression, protein purification, metabolism assays, X-ray crystallography
Thermostable Fluorescent Proteins
Techniques used: Protein expression, protein purification, protein assays, X-ray crystallography
Our lab is developing blue, cyan, and yellow thermostable fluorescent proteins based on the synthetic thermal green protein (TGP). TGP was originally developed at Los Alamos National Lab. We have been able to alter the fluorescent emission to blue, cyan, and yellow but are continuing to optimize the proteins. We are using an approach based on rationale design using crystal structures obtained in our lab. We are also using random and site-directed degenerate mutagenesis.
Dog Oncoproteins
Oncoproteins are proteins involved in cancer formation when mutated. Several oncoproteins have been identified and characterized in humans, but much less has been established about the oncoproteins found in dogs. Dogs are an excellent comparative organism to study for cancer as they get similar types of cancer to humans as they age. We are investigating canine p53 and Kras.
