Publication Date

5-2011

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Dr. Rajalingam Dakshinamurthy (Director), Dr. Eric Conte, Dr. Chad Snyder

Degree Program

Department of Chemistry

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

Heparin binding (HB) proteins mediates a wide range of important cellular processes, which makes this class of proteins biopharmaceutically important. Engineering HB proteins could bring many advantages, but it necessitates cost effective and efficient purification methodologies compared to the currently available methods. One of the most important classes of heparin binding protein is the fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and its receptors (FGFRs). In this study, we report an efficient off-column purification of FGF-1 from soluble fractions and purification of the D2 domain of FGFR from insoluble inclusion bodies, using a weak amberlite cation (IRC) exchanger. This approach is an alternative to conventional affinity column chromatography, which exhibit several disadvantages, including time-consuming experimental procedures and regeneration and results in high cost for production of recombinant proteins. Authenticity of the purified proteins was verified by SDS-PAGE and MALDI mass spectrum analysis. Results of the heparin binding chromatography and steady state fluorescence experiments showed that the FGF-1 and the D2 are in a native biologically active conformation. The findings of this study will not only aid an in-depth investigation of this class of proteins but will also provide avenues for inexpensive and efficient purification of other important biological macromolecules.

Disciplines

Chemistry | Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry

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