[VCP] Vaccinia Complement Protein

[toc]The intention of this module is introduce you to the applications of structural biology by utilizing a practical example, namely, Vaccinia Complement Protein (VCP), and the opportunity to use modern, robotic protein purification equipment.

Syllabus

1. Structure of VCP
   1. Mapping and primary structural similarity.
   2. Comparison of VCP to the family of complement control protein.
   3. Demonstration of Over-Expression of VCP.
   4. NMR structure of VCP.
   5. X-ray structure of VCP.
2. Structure-function relationship of VCP
   1. Biological functions of VCP.
   2. Discussion and demonstration of truncation and site specific mutations of VCP.
   3. Assignment of essential domains for binding to complement components, heparin and suramin.
3. Structure-stability relationship of VCP
   1. Influence of extremes of pH, temperature, freeze thawing, storage and lyophilization on VCP.
   2. Structural changes and melting curves with adverse physical conditions.

Online Lectures/Resources

References

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