Event Information

Claire J. Parker Siburt (Duke University)
Bioinorganic Investigation of Transferrin Mediated Metal Ion Transport
Abstract:

Two secondary processes of transferrin (Tf), the human iron transport protein, were investigated: 1) transporting of titanium into the human cell and 2) stealing of iron from Fe2-Tf by pathogenic bacteria. To address the proposed mechanism of titanium transport through the normal Fe2-Tf pathway, we explored the reduction potential of Ti2-Tf. A method was developed to measure the electrochemical properties of metalloproteins with very negative potentials. We also studied the affects on the kinetics of iron release when Fe2-Tf binds to the N. gonorrhoeae receptor (TbpA/TbpB). These bioinorganic studies have implications for the delivery of titanium cancer drugs and the treatment of bacterial infections.

Preliminary Examination Seminar

Thursday, March 8, 2007, 3:00pm
Student Exams Seminar