It is proposed to apply the synthetic model approach to the oxygen-carying protein, hemocyanin, in order to gain an understanding of the fundamental active site chemistry. The synthetic chemistry involves the preparation of new benzimidazole chelating ligands which can hold copper ions in structures similar to those envisaged for the various states of hemocyanin. Having completed a detailed study of analogues of met-hemocyanin attention will now be focused on the more challenging problem of oxyhemocyanin. Emphasis will be placed on definitive characterization of crystalline materials by x-ray crystallography and spectroscopic methods (IR, ESR, UV-VIS, Resonance Raman). The compounds will provide well-defined systems on which to test the validity of recent electronic, vibrational and EXAFS spectroscopy applications to hemocyanin. The long term goal is to gain an understanding of the chemistry and biochemistry of copper proteins, particularly those having copper/dioxygen interactions. A detailed molecular level undertanding of copper proteins must underlie medical approaches to the therapy of disorders involving copper (e.g., Wilson's disease) or therapies using copper chelates (e.g., antiarthritic, antitumor agents).

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIADDK)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
2R01AM030801-04
Application #
3152133
Study Section
Metallobiochemistry Study Section (BMT)
Project Start
1982-04-01
Project End
1988-08-31
Budget Start
1985-09-01
Budget End
1986-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Southern California
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
041544081
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
90033