The main goal of my research under the Fellowship is to characterize the domain structure of C1q molecule, the most complex subcomponent of the first component of complement system. This will be accomplished by isolating of different proteolytic fragments originated from C1q and investigation of their folding properties. Obtained information should provide the basis for elucidation of possible domain-domain interactions and would aid in explanation of functional properties of C1q. During the period of the study I hope to receive from Dr. Ingham's laboratory extensive experience in the application of differential scanning calorimetry and spectroscopic methods to protein structure problems. I believe the skills gained during investigations of the structure of C1q molecule can then be used in my further studies on structure and properties of variety of other proteins.
