9312637 Huang This is a three-year cooperative research project proposed by Dr. Huey Huang, Rice University, and Professor Wen-guey Wu, National Tsing Hua University. Membrane fusion and lysis are two key cell destruction processes utilized by viruses and toxins. This project proposes to use Taiwan cobra venom to understand the processes of membrane fusion and lysis. Taiwan cobra venom contains two biochemical components, cytotoxin (CTX) III and V. The former causes membrane fusion, but exhibits little hemolysis activity, while the latter induces significant hemolysis but exhibits little fusion activity. The contrast between these two closely related small peptides provides a unique means for studying the molecular mechanisms involved in cell destruction processes. Dr. Huang has experience in the structural biology of membrane active peptides and proteins and has developed innovative approaches to the problems of studying these molecules, and his Co-PI in Taiwan has successfully purified the Cobra Toxin peptides, CTX III and V. It is an excellent cooperative study and can provide a good hands-on opportunity for students in structural biology, as well as increasing their understanding of the ecology and behavior of Taiwan cobra. This project is jointly supported by the NSF and the Taiwan National Science Council (NSC).
