Press Release 05-177
Team Scores a Success in Protein Folding

Experiment bears out computer predictions of large, complex protein shape

An artist's impression of the protein MLAc in the process of folding. Credit and Larger Version

October 5, 2005

Scientists at Rice University have created a computer model that shows how a large, complex protein molecule folds into its final shape, and then verified their model's predictions in the laboratory. It is the first time anyone has accomplished that feat for a protein of such size.

"We know that misfolded proteins play a key but mysterious role in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes and a host of other diseases, so mapping the normal route a protein takes--and finding the off-ramps that might lead to misfolding--are vitally important," explained Rice University biochemist Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, one of the members of the research team.

The scientists reported their work this week in two back-to-back papers in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Their research was funded by the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Texas Advanced Technology Program and the Welch Foundation.

For more information, see the Rice University news release.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Jade Boyd, Rice University (713) 348-6778 jadeboyd@rice.edu
M. Mitchell Waldrop, NSF (703) 292-7752 mwaldrop@nsf.gov

Related Websites
The Rice University press release: http://www.media.rice.edu/media/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=7766

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, its budget is $9.5 billion, which includes $3.0 billion provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 44,400 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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