Towards Understanding C-H Bond Activation for Applications in Energy Storage: Probing a C-C Bridged Bimetallic Iron Complex

Interns

Daisy Cruz-Dominguez - Biology

Nikola Malinov - Chemical Engineering

Bonny Sanchez - Chemistry

Jyotsana Sharma - Physics

Project Description

Eukaryotic cells are like miniature factories that produce the macromolecules (such asproteins and lipids) that make up every organism. This cellular factory has compartments called organelles that can perform specialized functions. One such compartment is the peroxisome, an organelle that metabolizes lipids, and detoxifies damaging oxidative molecules.  Defects in peroxisome formation can be caused by mutations in genes encoding peroxisomal proteins, and result in a group of severe developmental disorders called Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorders. Patients with severe manifestations of these disorders do not survive past infancy. Since the peroxisome derives most of its membrane lipids and a large fraction of its proteins from another organelle called the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER), defects in peroxisome biogenesis may have consequences on thehealth of the ER. In this project, we will use mammalian cell culture and biochemistry techniques to compare the health of the ER in cells that don’t have functional peroxisomes versus ones that do. In particular, we will assess the activation of a cell signaling pathway that maintains the health of the ER, known as the Unfolded Protein Response. This project will shed some light on how the lack of peroxisomes can affect the cell and will provide insights into the etiology of Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorders.

Project Files

group_7_anthony_wong_final.pdf