| title: | Structural and functional studies of apolipoproteins apo A-V and apo E |
|---|---|
| reg no: | ETF6834 |
| project type: | Estonian Science Foundation research grant |
| subject: |
1.7. Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry 1.8. Molecular Biology |
| status: | accepted |
| institution: | TTU Faculty of Science |
| head of project: | Aivar Lõokene |
| duration: | 01.01.2006 - 31.12.2009 |
| description: | Apolipoproteins are specialized proteins that regulate metabolism of lipoproteins. Dysfunction of lipoprotein metabolism is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis and Alzheimer disease. Therefore apolipoproteins are potential targets for therapeutic intervention. In current project we plan to elucidate the mechanisms by which apolipoprotein E (apo E) and a newly identified apolipoprotein A-V (apo A-V) regulate lipoprotein metabolism. First: based on our recent studies we hypothesize that apo A-V reduces the level of atherogenic lipoproteins by guiding these lipoproteins to receptors and proteoglycans at cell surfaces. We plan to test this hypothesis experimentally. The second aim of is to identify the factors that regulate binding of apo E to amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) and lipoprotein receptors, especially LRP. These interactions are imporatnt in formation of amyloid plaques characteristic for Alzheimer disease and help to elaborate in vitro screening tests for Alzheimer disease drugs. Planned experiments are directed to the following goals: 1) characterization of apo A-V and apo E interactions with lipoprotein receptors and heparan sulfate proteoglycans 2) examination of factors, which influence the formation and stability of the binary and ternary complexes between apo E, Abeta peptides and LRP 3) identification of the apo A-V domains 4) localization of binding sites in apo A-V for LRP and heparan sulfate. |
| project group | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no | name | institution | position | |
| 1. | Aivar Lõokene | Tallinna Tehnikaülikooli Matemaatika-loodusteaduskond | ||
| 2. | Vello Tõugu | |||