: Our laboratory has recently discovered a novel endo-glycosidase (Endo-ABase) in the culture fluid of Clostridium perfringens. The long-term goal of this research proposal is to isolate and characterize EndoABase, a medically useful glycosidase that may be capable of converting type A and type B red blood cells into blood type insensitive cells for transfusion. To achieve this goal, Endo-ABase must be produced in large enough quantity to destroy the blood group A and B activity of red blood cells before transfusion.
Four specific aims have been proposed for this project. (1) Endo-ABase will be purified from the culture supenatant of Clostridium perfringens by a series of gel filtration, ion-exchange, and affinity chromatographies. (2) The properties of Endo-ABase will be characterized--stability, optimal pH. substrate specificity. etc. (3) Peptides generated from Endo-ABase will be sequenced, the gene of interest will be cloned, and the recombinant enzyme will be expressed on a large scale in E. coli or other suitable expression system. Finally, the recombinant enzyme will be used to treat type A and type B erythrocytes.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31HL068296-02
Application #
6555857
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BIOL-1 (01))
Program Officer
Mondoro, Traci
Project Start
2002-09-30
Project End
Budget Start
2002-09-30
Budget End
2003-09-29
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$22,206
Indirect Cost
Name
Tulane University
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
New Orleans
State
LA
Country
United States
Zip Code
70118