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Isolation and Characterization of an Isoprenoid Transporter Protein in Manduca sexta
Date
2015Type
ThesisDepartment
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Degree Level
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Biochem and Molecular Biology
Abstract
Metabolic regulation and transport is a fundamental process in all eukaryotic
organisms. Metabolites synthesized throughout the cell must be used in various locations
to ensure proper cell function. Isoprenoids are metabolite molecules implicated in cell
growth, energy production, and act as precursor to steroids, cholesterol, and other derived
compounds in living organisms. Within the isoprenoid pathway, isopentenyl
pyrophosphate (IPP) was found to be transported by a specific membrane protein
molecule in plants (Bick and Lange, 2003). To date, inhibition of this pathway is used in
mammalian drug therapy where isoprenoid utilizing enzymes are the candidates of
inhibition accomplished by a class of drugs called stains, though many fundamental
properties of this pathway await elucidation. The identification and characterization of an
IPP transport protein in Manduca sexta would provide a model system for the study of
IPP transport in animals as well as to allow characterization of mitochondrial
metabolically derived compounds, which have not been possible to study. By isolating
mitochondria from M. sexta, this study aims to purify the unknown transport protein for
detailed characterization of isoprenoid pathway. These results may allow inhibition and
manipulation of the isoprenoid pathway in insects possibly allowing the discovery of new
insecticides.
Permanent link
http://hdl.handle.net/11714/650Additional Information
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