Thursday, February 25, 2010

PDB Explorer Protein: Discription, Disease, and Real World Application.


The protein that I found interesting is called the Human Papillomavirus E2 Protein Type 16. Its pdb ID is IDTO. Many people have heard of HPV and the infection that it can cause. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections we know about today (cdc.gov). HPV Type 16 belongs to the papillomavirus E2 protein family and is located on the E2 gene.
This E2 gene is chain A and its function deals with nucleotide and DNA binding. Its processes are DNA replication and transcription. The E1-E2 protein complex binds to the the origin of DNA replication which allows it to regulate the replication by either activating or repressing transcription depending on its position.
Works cited:
www.cdc.gov/hpv/WhatIsHPV.html
http://www.ebi.ac.uk/msd-srv/oca/oca-bin/ocaids

3 comments:

  1. I think this is my favorite site as far as the background and layout. I feel like I am home when I read through it. Very comfortable. The HPV virus is an interest, so far in my academic career I have done a lot of research on female disease and morbidity. Few people realize just how destructive and wide spread this disease state is. Nice work Dube.

    MCB

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  2. Morgan, any idea how the vaccine effects or stops this protein?

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  3. Wilkinson, I have been researching a bit about the vaccines for the human papillomavirus for you and have found an interesting website that I think you will also find interesting.
    There are 2 vaccines used today are based on research done by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
    The vaccination is basically a 3 step process consisting of 3 shots. Virus-like particles are injected into muscle tissue which causes a strong immune response. This allows your body to stockpile the antibodies that recognize and attack the L1 protein. This L1 protein is located on the gene I mentioned above.
    The next major step happens inside our bodies. When these antibodies find the virus they completely cover it, preventing it from releasing any of its genetic material. Go antibodies!
    References:
    Understanding Cancer Series: HPV Vaccine. National Cancer Institute, 2 June, 2006.
    http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understandingcancer/HPV-vaccine/

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