Fatty Acid & Retinol Binding Proteins from Plant-Parasitic Nematodes
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Plant-parasitic nematodes secrete a mixture of proteins into plant roots to ensure their survival, feeding, and reproduction. Among these proteins are the fatty acid and retinol binding (FAR) proteins, small molecules of 17–30 kDa composed exclusively of α-helices.
in vitro experiments
This research focuses on the expression and purification of the Mi-FAR-1 protein from the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. The aim is to determine its 3D structure through X-ray crystallography, perform binding studies with potential ligands, and thereby clarify the role of this protein and its homologues in nematode parasitism.
in silico experiments
In parallel, computational approaches using AlphaFold and SwissModel are employed to predict the protein structure and enable docking studies with candidate ligands.
Collaborating Members
Maria-Eirini Lekka, PhD Candidate, AUA
Kostas Bethanis, Associate Professor
Petros Giastas, Assistant Professor
Michael Karpusas, Associate Professor
Dr. Marios Zouridakis, Hellenic Pasteur Institute
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