My research involves determining the nature of the interactions between the small Tim (Translocase of the inner membrane) protein complexes and the substrate. The inner membrane space of the mitochondria contains the Tim9p-Tim10p and the Tim8p-Tim13p complexes. Through previous research Professor Koehler's group has shown that the small Tim proteins bind to the membrane spanning domains of inner membrane proteins. My goal is to understand how the small Tim proteins bind to their substrates. By developing binding assays I can determine the nature of interactions and binding kinetics between the substrate and the small Tim complexes. Some of the initial methods proposed include surface plasmon resonance, intrinsic fluorescence, and mass spectrometry. Probing the nature of interactions between the small Tim complexes and their substrates via biochemical and biophysical techniques will aid in the comprehension of how defects in mitochondrial assembly lead to disease.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31GM070404-02
Application #
6822002
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F05 (29))
Program Officer
Toliver, Adolphus
Project Start
2003-12-01
Project End
2008-11-30
Budget Start
2004-12-01
Budget End
2005-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$28,512
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Los Angeles
Department
Chemistry
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
092530369
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90095
Beverly, Kristen N; Sawaya, Michael R; Schmid, Einhard et al. (2008) The Tim8-Tim13 complex has multiple substrate binding sites and binds cooperatively to Tim23. J Mol Biol 382:1144-56
Koehler, Carla M; Beverly, Kristen N; Leverich, Edward P (2006) Redox pathways of the mitochondrion. Antioxid Redox Signal 8:813-22
Curran, Sean P; Leuenberger, Danielle; Leverich, Edward P et al. (2004) The role of Hot13p and redox chemistry in the mitochondrial TIM22 import pathway. J Biol Chem 279:43744-51