Faculdade

Eventos

Pedro Tavares | 9th Conference Cycle UCIBIO & LAQV

Qua, 09 janeiro 2019, 12:00 - 13:00
Tipo de evento: 
Seminário
Localização específica: 
Room 217D - Edifício Departamental

Pedro Tavares

UCIBIO, FCT NOVA

 

Ferritin Story

 

Chair: Eurico Cabrita

 9th Conference Cycle UCIBIO & LAQV

 

Abstract

Proteins of the Ferritin family are macromolecular cage structures formed by self-assembly of 12 or 24 protein subunits that have three types of surfaces: the exterior, the intersubunit and the interior. The exterior surface contributes to the protein solubility and modulates protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions. The intersubunit surface can harbour several catalytic centers designed to perform fast ferroxidation. The interior surface provides a convenient cavity to promote biomineralization and store biomineral materials. Ferritins are used by nature as a ubiquitous system for iron oxidation, iron storage, ROS protection, being essential for iron homeostasis. However, this multitude of processes also opens the possibility for use of these nanocages to create new materials, bionanoconjugates or drug delivery systems. 

 

Given the wide array of physiologic functions and of biotechnology uses that these bionanocages can achieve, it is important to have a deep understanding of all molecular processes. In our most recent work (https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201809584) a mini-ferritin denominated Dps was shown to be able to oxidize and mineralize toxic ferrous ions in anaerobic conditions and in the absence of any additional aqueous oxidant co-substrate. We found that Dps proteins containing cores of 24 irons per protein can oxidize ca. 5 ferrous irons per protein, with that number approximately doubling for protein particles containing in average 96 irons per protein. This additional activity carries importance as it can be a detoxification mechanism present during anaerobic, or oxygen limited, bacterial growth conditions.

 

 

Short CV

5 year degree in Applied Chemistry, Biotechnology (FCT/UNL, 1985-1990), PhD in Biochemistry, Physical Biochemistry (UNL, 1990-1994), Post-doctoral Fellow in Biophysics (Emory University, Atlanta, USA, 1995-1997), Assistant Professor (FCT/UNL, 1999).

ResearcherID: researcherid.com/rid/B-3654-2008; ORCID ID: orcid.org/0000-0002-7398-2661.

 

Areas of Scientific Activity: Biochemistry / Biophysical Chemistry / Bioinorganic chemistry / Biologic radiation effects / Oxygen activation / Iron metabolism / Carboxylate-bridged diiron centers / EPR and Mössbauer Spectrocopy / CD & SRCD Spectroscopy / Fast kinetic techniques – stopped-flow and rapid-freeze quench / Biochemical methods / Liquid chromatography-HPLC applied to protein purification / Protein sequence / Molecular Biology methods / Electrochemistry / Spectroelectrochemistry