Many cancers are caused by the aberrant activity of mutant versions of normal proteins, which are critically dependent on the 'molecular chaperone' Hsp90 for folding. Hsp90 does not act alone, but associates with the proteins Hsp90, Hsp70, HOP and CHIP in multi-protein assemblies. These associations are mediated by motifs called TPRs. The goal of this proposal is to develop an atomic force microscope (AFM) imaging-based assay that will allow a detailed study of the assembly of these nano-scale complexes. Using biotinylated HOP and streptavidin surfaces, Hsp90-HOP-Hsp70 assemblies will be studied and their formation monitored in situ and in real time. In addition, using the same AFM-based assay, the role of CHIP and the nature of its interaction with the Hsp90-HOP-Hsp70 assembly will be elucidated. Finally, this assay will be used to understand the effects of tighter binding TPRs and small molecules, which are capable of inhibiting Hsp90- HOP-Hsp70 formation. These novel studies will allow a new level of understanding of these nano-scale processes and assemblies. They have direct relevance to cancer, because inhibition of Hsp90 activity is a proven route to anti-cancer therapeutics.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32CA119480-02
Application #
7287376
Study Section
Subcommittee G - Education (NCI)
Program Officer
Grodzinski, Piotr
Project Start
2005-09-27
Project End
2008-09-26
Budget Start
2006-09-27
Budget End
2007-09-26
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$53,992
Indirect Cost
Name
Yale University
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
043207562
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06520
Yi, Fang; Doudevski, Ivo; Regan, Lynne (2010) HOP is a monomer: investigation of the oligomeric state of the co-chaperone HOP. Protein Sci 19:19-25