Researchers Witness Assembly Of Molecules Critical To Protein Function

Researchers Witness Assembly Of Molecules Critical To Protein Function

www.sciencedaily.com

ScienceDaily (June 20, 2008) — A Virginia Tech research group lead by two biochemistry graduate students has isolated proteins responsible for the iron-sulfur cluster assembly process and witnessed the necessary protein interactions in vivo -- within a cell. They have captured pathway intermediates and observed protein interactions between the two major players in iron-sulfur cluster assembly.

Iron-sulfur clusters are critical to life on earth. They are necessary for protein function in cellular processes, such as respiration in humans and other organisms and photosynthesis by plants. "But we do not understand how Fe-S molecules are made or the specifics of how they bond," said Callie Raulfs of Christiansburg, Va. "It does not happen spontaneously. It has to be regulated."

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[edit on 21-6-2008 by grover]

Amazing. I can only wonder if understanding how these molecules interact isn't the first step towards real manmade life.

And to think they are doing this just 30 miles down the road from me. COOL!!!

www.sciencedaily.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

[edit on 21-6-2008 by grover]