Past Undergraduate Researchers
- Cristina Hamme
- Anika Schwander
- Abhishek Chhetri
- Nikolas Karagas
- Porsha Shaw
- Lindsey Handley
- Kaitlin Elsenheimer
- Emily Whitney
Hunsicker-Wang Research Group
The Hunsicker-Wang group works on proteins that are tied to the
respiratory chain. In one project, the Rieske protein, which is an electron transfer
protein found in complex III of the chain, is studied. It contains a [2Fe-2S]
cluster. The cluster is able to both accept and donate an electron, and thus it has a
reduction potential, a measure of how powerful a reducing agent it is. How iron-
sulfur cluster proteins like the Rieske protein modulate reduction potentials is a
fundamental question in biological chemistry. The research entails making
mutations to the Rieske protein or chemically modifying it and evaluating the
effect on reduction potential and overall structure.
In a second project, the role of the Sco protein from Thermus thermophilus
is being probed. The Sco protein plays a role in the maturation of the terminal
protein in the electron transport chain, cytochrome c oxidase (CcO). However, its
exact role is still being defined. One proposed role is that it acts as a thiol-
disulfide oxidoreductase, a protein that reduces the disulfide bond of its target
protein, the CuA domain of CcO. The Hunsicker-Wang lab has a unique system
using the thermophilic bacteria, Thermus thermophilus. It provides a way to
directly address the role of Sco since both TtSco and its target protein, CuA, can be
expressed in E. coli. This research entails producing and characterizing Sco and
its target and reacting mutant proteins to form the complex that is made during
disulfide bond reduction.
Applicants must adhere to Chemistry department procedures and deadlines.
Qualifications of successful applicants
The ideal students for these projects are ones that have demonstrated the ability to understand chemical properties. Completion of CHEM 1318 and enrollment in CHEM 2319 is needed, but no other background is required. Students at any level are welcomed. Enthusiasm for research and chemistry is a must!
