Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2014
Thesis Director
Mary E. Konkle
Abstract
MitoNEET is a [2Fe-2S] cluster protein found on the outer mitochondrial membrane. First discovered as a binding site for pioglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug, it was the first protein described containing a CDGSH iron-sulfur domain (CISD). However, the function(s) of mitoNEET in both normal cellular physiology and the physiology in type-2 diabetes remains unclear. The proposed functions of mitoNEET, include cluster transfer, electron transport and oxidative respiration. This thesis describes the use of proteomic pull-down techniques to identify possible protein binding partners of mitoNEET from both mouse and human liver cell lysates. In order to accomplish this, the expression and purification of mitoNEET are also described. By analyzing the results of these pull-down experiments, we are able to categorize possible role(s) of mitoNEET through its interaction(s) with metabolic enzymes, proteins known to participate in cellular stress response and cancer cell signaling.
Recommended Citation
Hirschfelder, Fran, "Functions of MitoNEET: What the Protein-Protein Interactions Reveal" (2014). Masters Theses. 1288.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1288
