Proteoglycans are macromolecules present in all connective tissues. The basic structural pattern of a proteoglycan molecule, in which a core protein may be linked to several polysaccharide chains, imparts a functional diversity which is further accentuated by the difference in the structures of various polysaccharide components. Currently, our knowledge about the role of the structure of the proteoglycans in relation to the conformation, and the role of the conformation in relation to the biological function, is somewhat rudimentary. The current investigation is aimed at filling some of the gaps in our knowledge of the structure-conformation and conformation-function relationships of the proteoglycans. These investigations will be carried out at the level of oligosaccharides and peptides. Some of these will be synthesized while others will be obtained from naturally occurring proteoglycans by enzymatic and chemical degradation. The principal experimental technique that will be employed is high-field NMR spectroscopy. A wide variety of NMR methods, conformational energy calculations and molecular modelling studies will be employed during the course of this investigation.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AR039301-03
Application #
3159325
Study Section
Molecular and Cellular Biophysics Study Section (BBCA)
Project Start
1988-07-01
Project End
1992-06-30
Budget Start
1990-07-01
Budget End
1992-06-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
004514360
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294